LOS ANGELES - Dennis Johnson wasn't a happy man after being on the short end of the Celtics' 18th win yesterday. But the Clippers assistant coach is pleased that he isn't taking as much heat these days about being an ex-Celtic.

``In all the time when the Celtics were floundering and down,'' DJ said before the C's 105-103 overtime win, ``that's when people really like to hit you. And me being out here in Los Angeles, I took a lot of hits. A lot. People would try to rub my nose in the fact the Celtics weren't going to the playoffs, and even though I'm not working for the team, it still really bothered me to hear that kind of stuff.

``After all the years I spent with the Celtics - and I'm still most proud of my time there - I am so glad to see the team doing great again. I really am.''

First-quarter flop