Neither rain, nor darkness, nor gloom of matchup, nor Paul Pierce foul trouble could keep the Celtics from the completion of their appointed rounds against the Spurs last night.

But Steve Smith did.

The Celts had their best chance in five years and a day to overcome San Antonio, but the streak of losses ran to eight when Smith arose for 13 of the Spurs' last 15 points (he hit three huge treys) in a 93-90 victory. The Shamrocks did, however, win some new fans in black uniforms.