No Joke: Clippers Beat Celtics

The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the World Champion Boston Celtics 93-91, their 15th win of the season. Boston, who was without Kevin Garnett, was held to just 47% shooting, and turned the ball over 21 times. The Clips were in lock-step with the Celtics, only trailing them in rebounds by 2 and in assists by 1. Paul Pierce dislocated his right thumb twice in the second half, and Eric Gordon left the game in the third quarter with a bruised left shoulder. Zach Randolph led LA with 30 points and 12 rebounds, including the game-winning tip-in after Mardy Collins's layup could not go down. Baron Davis scored 17 points, and Marcus Camby had 14 with 11 rebounds. Pierce led the Celtics with 20 points, and Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen both finished with 17.

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.

'Tis More Than a Season Game

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the rival Boston Celtics 92-83, avenging their defeat at the hands of Boston in the NBA Finals. In what was the most hyped-about game of the season, the Lakers held Beantown to only 8 free-throw attempts, and 28% shooting from the 3-pointer area. LA forced 17 turnovers and 9 blocked shots, and snapped the Celtics' 19 game winning-streak, a franchise record. Coach Phil Jackson also achieved his 1000th career win, the fastest any coach has accomplished this feat. Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for LA, and Pau Gasol had 20 points with 3 blocks. Luke Walton had another start, with 8 points, 5 assists and 2 blocks. Lamar Odom and Sasha Vujacic both came off the bench with 10 points, including Odom's two 3-pointers. Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with 22 points, and Paul Pierce scored 20 points and 10 rebounds, but committed 5 turnovers.