The three-game winning streak had been cause for celebration, but when they saw who they'd be facing next, their joy came to an abrupt end.
The Boston Celtics' next opponent was the defending champion San Antonio Spurs.
The defending champion San Antonio Spurs had kept the same championship-winning roster. Their anchor, Tim Duncan, remained as reliable as ever, averaging 22.3 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game this season. His stats were about the same as last season's, but he was even more efficient, while playing three fewer minutes per game.
Third-year player Tony Parker was more mature than he'd been last season and better able to shoulder the load for Tim Duncan. This season, he was averaging 15.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.
Last year's big winner, Manu Ginobili, had won the NBA championship with the Spurs. Then, in September, he led the Argentina National Basketball Team to victory over the arrogant 2002 USA Men's Basketball Team at the World Basketball Championship, claiming the title.
This season, he had become the team's most potent scorer and playmaker off the bench, averaging 12.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
And finally, there was the defender who had made the All-Defensive Second Team three years in a row and struck fear throughout the league: Bruce Bowen.
On the NBA court, defense was Bruce Bowen's greatest strength. His defensive skills were exceptional, which was all the more remarkable given that his physical gifts were nothing special.
Bruce Bowen didn't have freakishly long arms or huge hands, nor was he more athletic than other players. His strong defense came mainly from his understanding of the game and his defensive technique.
Bruce Bowen stood 2.01 meters tall, a decent height for a perimeter player.