Lakers

BOSTON - Yes, it can be done. That's the greatest thing about Boston's one-year turnaround from a 24-win team to a world champion. In a league where champions normally come from a very short list that almost any pundit could provide months before the season begins, Boston's immediate U-turn upset the apple cart and reminded the league's other losers (such as the Nets and Knicks, for instance) how quickly things can change. Of course, this didn't happen completely out of the blue. The off-season trades for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett had everyone pegging Boston as a contender in the East, so it's not as if the Grizzlies and T-wolves can just sit on their hands this summer and hope for a spontaneous turnaround based on Boston's example. Nonetheless, the Celtics' championship is great for the league, because it sells everyone on the idea that even the league's doormats can quickly become contenders. While we love dynasties in spots, we also crave uncertainty — that's what makes the … [Read more...] about Will Lakers, Celtics Meet Again Next June?

In one of the most decisive victories in NBA history, the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 131-92, on Tuesday night. Before a wildly cheering hometown crowd, the Celtics crushed the Lakers both offensively and defensively, leading by 30 to 40 points throughout much of the second half. In the first half, the Celtics were virtually unstoppable. Kevin Garnett had 17 points on 8 for 12 shooting, as well as 6 rebounds, and Paul Pierce had 10 points and 9 assists. The Celtics went on a 26-6 run before leaving the floor ahead 58-35, holding the Lakers to 29% shooting and zero offensive rebounds. Kobe Bryant found the lane impenetrable and had to settle for seven 3-point attempts. RELATED: For Celtics, a Career-Defining Victory Ray Allen tied an NBA record by sinking seven 3-point shots. To a roaring ovation, Coach Doc Rivers pulled his three stars with just over 4 minutes remaining, after the crowd sang "Hey, hey, hey, goodbye" to the Lakers. It was the first NBA championship … [Read more...] about Celtics Crush Lakers, 131-92, for NBA Championship

LOS ANGELES — Paul Pierce took the Boston Celtics to the brink of another improbable comeback and then let it slip out of his hands. The All-Star scored 38 points in Game 5 of the NBA finals against Los Angeles on Sunday night, but twice in the final minutes let Kobe Bryant slap the ball away as the Lakers held on to win 103-98 and force the series back to Boston. Game 6 is Tuesday night, and the Celtics would have another chance to close out their 17th NBA title on Thursday night if they need it. The Celtics overcame a 24-point deficit to win Game 4 in Los Angeles, and they fell behind quickly in Game 5 as well. The Lakers took a 41-22 lead with the first basket of the second quarter, and again the Celtics mounted a comeback. With the other starters resting or in foul trouble, Pierce scored 13 of Boston's next 17 points and also helped out on the other two baskets with an assist and a steal as the Celtics cut a 41-22 deficit to four points with a 15-0 run. Pierce, an L.A. native … [Read more...] about Lakers Squeak Out Victory, 103-98, Head Back to Boston

LOS ANGELES — In their comeback season, the Celtics saved the biggest one of all for the NBA finals. Boston rallied from a 24-point deficit and beat the Los Angeles Lakers 97-91 on Thursday night to take a commanding 3-1 lead in this history-rich series and move within one victory of a 17th championship that seemed impossible a year ago. A rivalry between the league's two most storied franchises — with some of the game's biggest names and biggest moments — now has its biggest rally. No team had ever overcome more than a 15-point deficit in the first quarter, and although the league doesn't have a record for the largest rally in a finals game, the Celtics staged one that will forever be remembered in the annals of Celtics-Lakers lore. When the final horn sounded, Paul Pierce, an L.A. kid playing in front of family and friends, doubled over in exhaustion and exuberance. The Celtics, the team he stuck with through 10 years, including a 24-win season in 2006-07, had done the … [Read more...] about Celtics Come Back From 24 Down, Stun Lakers in Game 4, 97-91

LOS ANGELES — On his floor and on his game, Kobe Bryant revived the Los Angeles Lakers — and the NBA finals. With his team one loss from having to make an impossible climb, Bryant was close to MVP form, scoring 36 points on an assortment of spins, drives and jumpers and reserve Sasha Vujacic added 20 points as the Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 87-81 in Game 3 on Tuesday night. A change of time zones, jerseys and attitude did wonders for the Lakers, who staggered home from Boston in an 0-2 hole and couldn't afford to fall any further behind in the first best-of-seven matchup between the league's marquee teams since 1987. No team in NBA playoff history has ever overcome an 0-3 deficit. Bryant made sure the Lakers won't have to. … [Read more...] about Lakers Fight Back to Win Game 3 of NBA Finals, 87-81