Celtics on the verge of the best start in team history

The Lakers have started fast, with a 17-2 record, but that team back East is moving even faster.

The Boston Celtics have the best record in the NBA at 20-2, and the defending champions now have matched the best start in team history, which was set by the 1963-64 Celtics. That Bill Russell-led team was in the midst of a stunning streak of championship years that stretched from 1959 through 1966 -- and the Lakers were the losers in four of those eight NBA Finals.

The Celtics' next game is Thursday at Washington, and a win there would give this team the best start in franchise history. Oddly, the Wizards were one of the few teams to dominate the Celtics last season, winning three of four regular-season games. This year Washington is the bottom-dweller in the East with a 3-15 record.

Even Paul Pierce was a bit surprised to learn that his team's fast start had it on the verge of history: "I didn't know about that. I don't even want to tell everybody else about this. I don't want them thinking about it.

"But that's a good sign. When we're up there on records with those old Celtic teams, that shows we're doing something right," Pierce said.

-- Barry Stavro

Photo: Ray Allen, left, and Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics celebrate their 93-78 win over the Portland Trail Blazers last Friday at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston. Credit: Elsa / Getty Images

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[Keeper]

WE CAN DO IT! GO TEAM GO!