Lakers Short of the Mark

Celtics beaten 83-79 as Lakers claim 16th title

(AP) - The Los Angeles Lakers have won their 16th NBA championship, dramatically rallying from a fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 in Game 7 of the NBA finals. Kobe Bryant scored 23 points despite 6-of-24 shooting while winning his fifth title with the Lakers, who repeated as NBA champions for the first time since winning three straight from 2000-02. More»

To break Celtics curse, Lakers have to show up for Game 3

(NEWSER) - The Boston team that dominated the court in Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals isn't the same Celtics crew that eked out wins against Atlanta, Cleveland, and Detroit. But the Lakers may only have just noticed that, writes Mark Heisler in the Los Angeles Times. For Kobe & Co., tonight's game is time to step up or bow out. More»

Joe Johnson's three-pointer with a minute remaining holds up

(NEWSER) - Atlanta just won't let go of its first trip to the postseason in nine years. The playoff team with the worst record did it again to the team with the best mark, forcing an improbable Game 7 with the Boston Celtics, as Joe Johnson hit a crucial 3-pointer with 1:07 remaining and the Hawks held on for a 103-100 victory Friday. More»

(NEWSER) - Takedowns and menacing gestures. Double technicals and flagrant fouls. And the Boston Celtics are heading to Atlanta to try to deliver the knockout punch. Paul Pierce scored a playoff-high 22 points and Ray Allen hit three 3-pointers in the middle of the third quarter Wednesday night to turn back the Hawks' last charge, leading Boston to a hard-fought 110-85 victory over Atlanta More»

Game 1 loss leaves Atlanta winless against Boston this season

(NEWSER) - Ray Allen scored 18 points and Kevin Garnett had 16 as the two newcomers who led the Boston Celtics to the NBA's best record sparked them to a 104-81 win last night in their playoff opener against the Atlanta Hawks. Rookie Al Horford led the Hawks with 20 points and 10 rebounds and Joe Johnson added 19 points. More»