Coach George Karl went so far as to suggest that the Milwaukee Bucks' narrow, 95-92 decision over the well-rested Boston Celtics at the FleetCenter on Wednesday night could very well have been his team's best victory of the season.

Guard Ray Allen didn't quite go that far, labeling it one of the best, considering that the Bucks had lost a trying game the night before to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Celtics had not played for three days. Forward Glenn Robinson termed it a solid victory, noting his pleasure at seeing all three members of the team's so-called Big Three scoring more than 20 points apiece.

Best victory of the season?

Forward Anthony Mason rolled his eyes and walked off into the restroom.

Oh well then, let's go back to the coach.

"It was a great win," Karl said. "Because of the combination of last night's game and here was a team that had two or three days of rest. . . . Then to fall behind, 11-0 . . . We played a poised game all night.