Celtics can taste a title but still must win to savor flavor

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — On the verge of a championship they have dreamed about since childhood, leaders of the Boston Celtics are fighting the urge to celebrate prematurely, knowing the elusive crown is still a win away.

The Celtics enter Sunday's fifth game of the National Basketball Association Finals with a 3-1 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers in the best-of-seven series, one triumph shy of their first crown since 1986 and record 17th title overall.

No team has ever squandered a 3-1 lead to lose in the NBA Finals, but that brings little comfort for Boston's star players and coach Doc Rivers, who have endured decades of playoff failure and frustration.

"The job isn't finished, but yeah, we seem a little closer to the goal. I can taste it," Celtics All-Star...