Sweet Repeat

In one of the ugliest offensive Game 7’s of all time, the two most storied franchises in NBA history put it all on the line for the championship.

What resulted was a nail-biter from start to finish which resulted in the Los Angeles Lakers repeating as NBA Champions, and defeating their bitter rivals, the Boston Celtics 83-79 in Game 7 at Staples Center to win their 16th title.

In a game and series dominated by amazing defense, both teams struggled mightily from the field for most of the game. Finals MVP Kobe Bryant had 23 points, but shot just 6 of 24 from the field, allowing Boston to open up a 13-point lead midway through the third quarter.

But with timely contributions from Ron Artest, who had 20 points, and Pau Gasol, who had 19 points and 18 big rebounds, the Lakers took the lead in the fourth quarter, and never gave it up.

The championship is the fifth for Bryant and fellow guard Derek Fisher, as well the 11th for coach Phil Jackson.

"This one is by far the sweetest, because it's them," Bryant said after the Lakers beat Boston for the first time in a Game 7. "This was the hardest one by far. I wanted it so bad, and sometimes when you want it so bad, it slips away from you. My guys picked me up."

The win is only the third time in 12 tries the Lakers have defeated the Celtics in the championship round, but moves Los Angeles to within one of Boston’s record 17 titles.

“It’s very sweet,” said Gasol, who was huge in the fourth quarter. “It feels amazing to win a championship. It adds up when you beat Boston, especially with the history, the rivalry. With our personal history, 2008, it feels even better. If I could get a genie and get a wish, this would be my wish.”

Paul Pierce had 18 points for the Celtics, but a great run through the playoffs, which included shocking upsets of the Cavaliers and Magic, came to an end one win short of the final prize. Ultimately, the length of the Lakers was too much for the Celtics, who were playing without starting center Kendrick Perkins, who was injured in Game 6. LA ended up out rebounding Boston 53-40, a key stat considering the rebounding winner won every game in the series.

"We had an opportunity to win, but it just didn't go our way down the stretch,” said guard Ray Allen, who struggled mightily to shoot in Games 3-7 after his record-breaking eight three-pointers in Game 2. “I don't think we ran out of steam. Lady Luck just didn't bounce in our corner.”