hese days, the Portland Trail Blazers ride into NBA cities like a group of cocksure bullies from the Western Conference. They have dropped only two games since the All-Star break, and their arrogance seems a natural outgrowth.

Last night, the Portland players were in fine form as they put the finishing touches on a 100-91 win over the Celtics at the FleetCenter. Apparently, gloating never gets old.