One of the more unusual interruptions in NBA playoff history occurred during Game 1 of the 1992 first-round series between the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks, when an unexpected visitor briefly halted the action. In the third quarter, a Golden Retriever ran onto the court, dodging players and officials alike. The dog, later identified as Buddy — already known in the 1990s for his basketball tricks — crossed the hardwood until Dennis Rodman approached, picked him up, and carried him off to the sideline, allowing play to resume.  Buddy was more than a random stray. Trained by Kevin DiCicco, the Golden Retriever had gained fame performing basketball tricks at halftime shows and on television, including Late Night with David Letterman.  His talents later inspired the 1997 family film Air Bud, in which Buddy portrayed a sports-playing dog. The movie’s writers built the story around Buddy’s real-life abilities and on-court presence — helping the film launch a franchise of sport...