Another Western Conference team makes the trip to Boston and wonders why it even bothered.

Lakers Game 6, 2008 NBA Finals. Portland on Dec. 5. Phoenix last Monday. The Dallas Mavericks were the latest team on Sunday to quit in the middle of a game, knowing they were hopelessly out of it. It’s pretty sad to watch, actually.

The Celtics should get all the credit in the world for taking all of the heart out of the competition early and that’s what Ray Allen, Eddie House and every player in green and white was talking about afterward. That, and the fact that the team is passing so well right now that they are playing at a level even HIGHER than during the 19-game winning streak. Wow.

The Celtics shots 66 percent in the first quarter, 65 percent for the first half, led by 32 points in the second quarter and 35 in the third quarter. They could’ve played Gino on the big screen at the end of one. It was THAT bad.

Now, the Sacramento Kings head to Boston for a match-up on Wednesday. You remember them, don’t you? The Western Conference team that kept it close in the pre-game warmups before losing by 45, 108-63, in Sacramento on Dec. 28. One can only hope for a competitive, if not close game this time around. But forgive me if my expectations aren’t very high.

Doc Rivers said the team is playing well together right now.

Kevin Garnett said the team is playing better than in its 19-game winning streak.

Eddie House said the Celtics have been moving the ball well of late.

Ray Allen said the Celtics have re-discovered their killer instinct.

Allen said the 19-game winning streak is a blur right now.

Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said the Celtics just blew them off the court.

Jason Kidd says the Celtics have been doing a great job with the early knockout punch.