ASHINGTON - Thirty-six wins. That represented the high-water mark for Rick Pitino and only a dream for M.L. Carr. It was even unapproachable in Chris Ford's final days. But it's what the Celtics had last year - and what they have this year, with 19 games remaining. Is there any more graphic evidence of this team's growth and success than that one number?

Last night, the Celtics made it five straight wins with a 104-99 victory over the Washington Wizards. They're now only 31/2 games astern of the once-uncatchable