Lakers Make Final Statement

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated their rival Boston Celtics 110-109 in overtime, snapping the Celtics' 12-game win streak and extending the Lakers' win streak to 5. The victory also avenged their loss at TD Banknorth Garden in Game 6 of the Finals which clinched the title for Boston. LA swept the season series with the Celts by holding them to a .452 shooting percentage and forcing 16 turnovers that were converted into 24 points. The Lakers were just 17-for-29 from the charity stripe, but their 12 steals helped make up for it. Kobe Bryant led LA with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 4-for-8 shooting from three-point range, despite his 10-for-29 total shooting. Pau Gasol had his own double-double with 24 points and 14 rebounds, and Lamar Odom had the most impact out of all with 20 points, including two free-throws with seconds left in OT that gave the Lakers the lead. Derek Fisher scored 13 points and had 5 assists. Ray Allen led the Celtics with 22 points, and Paul Pierce had 21 points and 8 rebounds. Kevin Garnett scored 16 points, but fouled out with 4:22 left in regulation. Rajon Rondo had 16 points, 8 rebounds and 12 assists, and Eddie House finished with 16 points as well.