Lakers Keep Vujacic

RIVERSIDE, California (Ticker) -- With the recent exodus of NBA players overseas, restricted free agent guard Sasha Vujacic appeared to be next one in line. But the Los Angeles Lakers made sure that wasn't going to happen Friday, according to a report in The Press-Enterprise. The newspaper reported that, after some tense negotiations, the Lakers and Vujacic agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract.

Vujacic rebuffed the Lakers' original offer of three years, $12 million, leading the 3-point specialist and his representatives to threaten to follow recent NBA defectors such as the Atlanta Hawks' Josh Childress and the Toronto Raptors' Carlos Delfino, who each received large multi-million-dollar deals to play in Greece and Russia, respectively.

However, Vujacic - who had planned to take a red-eye flight from Los Angeles to Europe on Friday - never left Los Angeles. The 6-7 Vujacic averaged a career-high 8.8 points last season and shot 45 percent from the field, including 44 percent from the arc, helping him earn the nickname "The Machine" because of his prolific shooting which helped Los Angeles earn a berth in the NBA Finals.

Clippers Acquire Camby

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday acquired forward Marcus Camby from the Denver Nuggets. In exchange, the Nuggets will have the option of swapping second-round picks in 2010. As a result of the deal, Denver receives a $10 million trade exception, which can be used until one year from the completion of the trade.

"Marcus has been an exceptional representative of the Nuggets both on the court and in the Denver community during his time here, and we are greatly appreciative of all he has done," Denver vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien said. "This trade exception, along with the future first-round draft choice we received from Charlotte last month, gives us a number of options and a tremendous amount of flexibility."

Camby is considered one of the top defensive players in the league, becoming just the second player in NBA history to lead the league in blocked shots three consecutive seasons. A former Defensive Player of the Year, Camby led the NBA with 3.61 blocks per game last season. "I love this acquisition for the current makeup of our team," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "We are getting a consummate pro who is maybe the best team defender in the league and who has 60 playoff games under his belt."

Camby set a slew of personal bests last season, averaging career highs of 13.1 rebounds and 34.9 minutes in 79 games - also a career high. Camby also averaged 9.1 points and had a league-best 18.0 rebounds per contest. "I think this is a very good addition for us, especially since we're getting a player who can really help us without having to give up a player in return," Clippers vice president of basketball operations Elgin Baylor said. "Marcus can play multiple positions and is one of the better rebounders and shot-blockers in the league. "With him playing alongside (Chris) Kaman, I think we will have a pair of excellent interior defenders, and that will make us a formidable team."

The addition likely was in response to losing long-time power forward Elton Brand to the Philadelphia 76ers via free agency a week ago. Drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the second overall selection in 1996, Camby spent the past six seasons in Denver after four campaigns with the New York Knicks. Camby has appeared in 60 playoff games in his career, averaging 8.6 points and 8.8 rebounds.

Clippers Brand and Maggette Opt Out

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Los Angeles Clippers forwards Elton Brand and Corey Maggette opted out of their contracts, the team announced Monday night. Brand had a $16.4 million player option and Maggette's was for $8.4 million for next season, which both passed on just prior to Tuesday's free agent deadline. The duo cannot officially sign with another team or re-sign with the Clippers until July 9, when the league's moratorium ends.

"We have been notified by Elton Brand and Corey Maggette of each player's decision to opt out of his respective contract," Los Angeles president Andy Roeser said. "On Monday night, when NBA rules permit, we will be aggressive in contacting them to address our interest in having them remain with the Clippers. "We will also be active in contacting other free agents in whom we have interest."

The Clippers are coming off two straight losing seasons - including an injury-riddled 23-59 finish last campaign - after their first playoff appearance in nine years in 2005-06. Maggette was one of the team's lone bright spots last season, scoring a career-high 22.1 points per game. Brand, on the other hand, played just eight games after suffering an Achilles injury in a preseason workout.

Clippers Claim Eric Gordon

NEW YORK (Ticker) - The Los Angeles Clippers need a point guard - they hope Eric Gordon can fill that role. With the injured Shaun Livingston's future up in the air, the Clippers grabbed Indiana guard Gordon with the No. 7 pick in the NBA draft Thursday at Madison Square Garden.

Livingston, who was supposed to be a star floor general for Los Angeles, missed parts of two seasons after a gruesome knee injury. Gordon now may have to learn to run the club. However, his strength lies with his lethal jumpshot, which he unveiled in his lone collegiate season with the Hoosiers.

Gordon has as much range as anybody in the draft and can score from the perimeter at will. But there are questions about his body type and his ability to take the ball to the basket. His up-and-down freshman season also was not encouraging. As impressive as he was during the first part of the college season, his most distinguishing trait in 2007-08 may have been how well he handled himself on two trying occasions. Gordon battled through the hassle he received for backing out of his commitment to his hometown team (Illinois). He also had to deal with recruiting turmoil that surrounded the Indiana basketball program this season off the court. The latter of which may explain his statistical decline across the board during the second half of the season.

NBA Finals Capsule

BOSTON 131, LA LAKERS 92
Boston Wins Series, 4-2

BOSTON (Ticker) -- Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 14 rebounds as the Boston Celtics secured their league-best 17th championship with a 131-92 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the NBA Finals at a rowdy TD Banknorth Garden on Tuesday night. Ray Allen scored 26 points and Paul Pierce added 17 for the Celtics, who improved to 13-1 at home this postseason en route to their first title since 1986. Holding a four-point lead after the first quarter, Boston proceeded to embarrass Los Angeles, outscoring its archrival, 34-15, in the second period en route to a 58-35 lead at halftime. The duration of the second half was played with the outcome already decided in one of the most lopsided wins in Finals history. It fell just short of the largest margin of victory ever in the Finals in which Phil Jackson's Chicago Bulls routed the Utah Jazz by 42 points in 1998. Kobe Bryant scored 22 points on just 7-of-22 shooting for the Lakers, who failed to become the first team in the history of the championship series to erase a 3-1 deficit after staving off elimination in Game Five.

NBA Finals Preview

LA Lakers at Boston, 6:00 pm, ABC NBA Finals Game Six Boston leads, 3-2

BOSTON (Ticker) - The Boston Celtics take a second shot at securing their first championship in 22 years when they host the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the NBA Finals.

The Celtics, who lead the best-of-seven matchup, 3-2, suffered a 103-98 setback in Sunday's Game Five in Los Angeles, extending the series and giving them a chance to claim the title in front of what promises to be a raucous home crowd. This postseason, Boston is 12-1 at TD Banknorth Garden, where 16 championship banners hang in the rafters - the last one coming in 1986.

The Celtics lost in the Finals to the Lakers in 1987, the last time the teams had met in a championship series. A similar outcome will be a tall task for Los Angeles, which is trying to become the first team in NBA history to erase a 3-1 deficit in the Finals. Additionally, the club will have to win the final two games on the road.

The Lakers staved off elimination Sunday against the shorthanded Celtics, who were without center Kendrick Perkins (left shoulder injury). The bruising center will be a game-time decision for Game Six. Boston guard Ray Allen, who had to attend to a family emergency immediately after Sunday's game, reportedly will be in the starting lineup.

Still, the banged-up Celtics want to end the series now. On Tuesday, they will play in their NBA-record 26th game this postseason after two seven-game victories in opening two rounds and a six-game triumph over the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals. Los Angeles superstar Kobe Bryant has not played well in the matchup and will need another stellar performance from the inconsistent teammate Lamar Odom if the Lakers are to succeed. Odom, for his part, seems focused. "We didn't want to see any champagne popping like that," Odom said after the much-needed win in Game Five.

NBA Finals Capsule

LOS ANGELES 103, BOSTON 98
Boston Leads Series, 3-2

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Kobe Bryant delivered on his words - for the time being, at least. A day after declaring that the series was far from over, Bryant finished with 25 points and five steals to help the Los Angeles Lakers stave off elimination with a 103-98 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the NBA Finals on Sunday.

Bryant came through with the game's biggest sequence, beginning with a steal that led to a breakaway dunk with 37 seconds remaining as the Lakers' slim title hopes remained alive. Los Angeles now trails, 3-2, in the best-of-seven series and must capture the next two games in Boston - where the Celtics are 12-1 this postseason - beginning with Tuesday's Game Six. No team in NBA history has comeback from a 3-1 deficit and, since the league switched to the 2-3-2 Finals format in 1985, no team has won the last two games on the road. The Lakers are attempting to do both.

Bryant got the support he's been looking for all series in this one, with Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol each awakening with big games. Odom contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks, while Gasol had 19, 13 and six assists.

NBA Finals Preview

Boston at LA Lakers, 6 pm, ABC
Boston Leads Series, 3-1

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- After a stirring comeback on Thursday, the banged-up Boston Celtics aim to secure their first championship in 22 years when they take on the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Five of the NBA Finals on Sunday night.

The Celtics, who authored one of the most remarkable in-game turnarounds in Finals history in Game Four, lead this best-of-seven matchup at 3-1. No team has come back from such a deficit in the NBA's championship series, making Boston an odds-on favorite for its league-best 17th championship and first since 1986.

But it is not all positive for the Celtics, who may play with two injured starters - center Kendrick Perkins (left shoulder) and point guard Rajon Rondo (left ankle). However, despite their ailments, coach Doc Rivers said on Saturday both would be in the starting lineup. Boston added another classic chapter to perhaps the best rivalry in professional basketball Thursday, climbing out of a 24-point hole en route to a thrilling 97-91 victory over Los Angeles, which held the largest advantage after one period in the history of the Finals. The Celtics went on to erase an 18-point halftime deficit - also the largest intermission comeback in Finals history in the shot-clock era. The Lakers made it a one-possession game three times within the final 1:30 but could not come up with a critical defensive stop. James Posey hit a 3-pointer, Paul Pierce nailed two free throws and Ray Allen put in a driving layup for the Celtics during that decisive span.

It was another remarkable in-game turnaround in this series, which saw Boston nearly blow a 24-point advantage in the fourth quarter in Game Two. Los Angeles superstar Kobe Bryant, who scored 17 points in Game Four, was criticized for not being able to lift his teammates in this series. But he would not admit that a championship is a foregone conclusion for Boston. "This season ain't over," Bryant said. "It's far from over. So for me to talk about (next season) would be acknowledging defeat, and that's something I just don't do."

Games Six and Seven would be in Boston if necessary.

NBA Finals Preview

Boston at LA Lakers, 6:00 pm, ABC
Boston Leads Series, 2-1

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- For the Los Angeles Lakers to have a fighting chance in the NBA Finals, they have to handle business on Thursday. The Lakers will try to even the series at two games apiece when they host the Boston Celtics in Game Four at the Staple Center.

After returning to the West Coast down 2-0, Los Angeles got 36 points from Kobe Bryant and a surprising 20 from reserve Sasha Vujacic in Tuesday's 87-81 victory in Game Three. "What I tried to do with my teammates is just stay calm," Bryant said. "It wasn't the end of the world. They did a great job of defending home court. We knew we had to come here and do the same. They feed off of my confidence and I have all the confidence in the world that we can come here and win." Vujacic's career performance picked up the slack for teammates Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom - the duo combined for just 13 points on 5-of-18 shooting.

But the Lakers' big men weren't the only ones struggling, as Boston's Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce both had a tough night. Garnett had 13 points but made just 6-of-21 shots Tuesday after pouring in 24 points in Game One and 17 in Game Two. Pierce, a Los Angeles native who was playing in front of friends and family, scored just six points on 2-of-14 shooting after scoring 22 and 28, respectively, during the first two games of the series.

Despite a 2-8 road mark this postseason, Pierce is confident his team can break through here. "Me and Kevin really didn't play well," Pierce said. "But then you've got to look at the Lakers' side, Odom and Gasol really didn't play well. So you've got to expect me and Kevin to play a lot better in Game Four as well as Gasol (and) Odom to play a lot better. "But I was happy with our defense. I can take that away from Game Three with the way we defended the ball. We gave up some key offensive rebounds there late in the game. If we can clean those up, we'll be fine. But defensively we held them to 87 points, they shot 43 percent and we'll take that all night."

UCLA's Shipp To Stay in School

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - UCLA swingman Josh Shipp has decided to stay in school. Shipp on Tuesday withdrew his name from the NBA draft and will return to play his senior season with the Bruins.

With the departure of star freshman center Kevin Love to the NBA, Shipp's announcement provides a boost for the Bruins, who have been to three consecutive Final Fours. "Josh has been an integral part of our three Final Four runs and I am really excited that he is coming back for his senior year," UCLA coach Ben Howland said. "I expect him to have his best year as a Bruin, and not just because of his talent, but because this is the first summer in the last three that he can focus on his game as opposed to having to rehab from hip surgery.

The 6-5 Shipp averaged 12.2 points in his junior season, which ended with a loss to Memphis in the national semifinals. He was the only player to start all 39 games for UCLA (35-4).

With Darren Collison and Alfred Aboya also returning for their senior seasons, the Bruins again should be a national title contender. "I am glad I went through this process. It gave me the opportunity to get input and prepare my body and my game for the next level," Shipp said. "But at the end of the day, I wanted to come back and make another run for the championship. We've been close three times and a goal of mine is to win the NCAA championship. "I think with our core of seniors, we have the leadership necessary to make another run for the title and I'm looking forward to next season." The NBA draft is June 26.

Lakers Hold Off Celtics in Game Three

LA Lakers 87, Boston 81

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- It wasn't pretty, but then again, ugly is all it takes. Kobe Bryant scored 36 points and Sasha Vujacic added 20 off the bench as the Los Angeles Lakers executed down the stretch en route to a crucial 87-81 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game Three of the NBA Finals on Tuesday night.

Bryant torched Ray Allen for two crucial buckets in the final 1:06 for the Lakers, who trail the Celtics, 2-1, in the best-of-seven series. With the rest of the starters struggling, Bryant and Vujacic were the lone double-figure scorers for Los Angeles, which improved to 9-0 at Staples Center this postseason - one shy of tying the NBA record for consecutive home victories in the playoffs.

Still, the Lakers face an uphill battle in their quest for the title. Only three teams have lost the first two contests in the championship series and recovered to win it all. Los Angeles will try to take a step toward becoming the fourth in Game Four here on Thursday.

It bodes well for the Lakers that Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol each had off nights and they still were able to record the win. The 7-foot Gasol managed just nine points, while Odom, who battled foul trouble, scored just four. Ironically, the Celtics were in the same boat. Ray Allen tried to pick up the slack for Boston's slumping "Big Three." He scored 25 points, including four 3-pointers, but Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce combined for just 19. Garnett was 6-of-21 from the floor and Pierce was even worse, shooting 2-of-14.

Things looked bleak for the Lakers in the third quarter, when the Celtics dug themselves out of an early double-digit hole to take a four-point lead on consecutive baskets from Garnett. However, Bryant and Vujacic would take care of that down the stretch. After Boston had gotten to within two points on Garnett's spinning bank shot, Vujacic responded with a 3-pointer from the wing en route to a 81-76 advantage for Los Angeles. After two free throws by Derek Fisher, Bryant nailed a jumper near the top of the key and followed it up with a leaner in the lane with 38 seconds remaining to provide the final margin.

It was much-needed win for Los Angeles, which nearly erased a 24-point, fourth-quarter deficit in a 108-102 loss in Sunday's Game Two. But it was ultimately done in by its lack of aggressiveness, shooting just 10 free throws, while Boston was 27-of-38 from the line. The Lakers shot more than double that amount by halftime Tuesday en route to 21-of-34 mark from the line. The free-throw turnaround came just hours after disgraced former referee Tim Donaghy told federal investigators that officials altered the outcomes of playoff series in 2002 and 2005.

NBA Finals Preview

By Anthony Olivieri
Pro Basketball Editor

LA Lakers vs. Boston Celtics

KEY MATCHUPS: Lakers G Kobe Bryant and Celtics G Ray Allen don't seem to like each other and nobody seems to know why. Either way, neither should need extra motivation in the NBA Finals. Bryant, whose level of play is at an all-time high, should pray he is guarded by Allen, whose surgically repaired ankles are not serving him well on the defensive end. Bryant, though, most likely would not be stopped even by a healthy Allen. But the Celtics would consider it a success if they can turn the reigning MVP into the old Bryant, who had the penchant for getting involved in personal battles and freezing out his teammates in big moments. ... Cs Pau Gasol and Kendrick Perkins could not be more different, but each could have an equal impact on their team's success. A finesse player, the 7-foot Gasol does his damage with nifty moves on the interior and excels with positioning on the offensive glass. Perkins plays more like a bull in a china shop and has parlayed that into nice supporting role for Boston. But if either can complement their more perimeter-oriented teammates - especially Perkins, who gives the Celtics another dimension - it will be a big boost.

PIVOTAL PLAYERS: G-F Paul Pierce was fired up after the Celtics defeated Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals. He even started up an impromptu "Beat L.A.!" chant during the trophy presentation after the game. But will Pierce actually be able to beat the Lakers on the court? Pierce put Boston on his back with a 41-point performance in a scoring duel against the LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference semifinals. He will need to match baskets with Bryant in crunch time for Boston to emerge victorious. ... Even though Pierce will be relied upon in the clutch, Celtics F Kevin Garnett cannot be passive. He must not settle for fadeaways and take advantage of shorter defenders, especially Lakers reserve F Ronny Turiaf, who will spell both Gasol and F Lamar Odom. ... Boston's fortunes also rest upon Allen, who has shown signs of decline and signs of his past brilliance. An effective Allen transforms the Celtics into a more dangerous club, which can spread the floor and cash in on the sharpshooter's unlimited range. ... Finally, the most pivotal player for either team is Odom, whose unselfish passing skills have enhanced the Lakers' offensive attack. But Odom is hit-or-miss in the big spot.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: "This is my first Finals, my second or third Lakers-Celtics game. I'm looking forward to it, all the things I used to watch on Sunday, that big plate of food in front of me watching the Lakers and Celtics play on Sunday, Hubie Brown and Dick Stockton doing the game. I remember that like it was yesterday. Fire going, I'm gonna grab me a seat right in front. Mom telling me, 'Don't get too close to the TV, it'll kill your eyes.' I remember it like it was yesterday, man. I'm looking forward to this." - Garnett

SEASON SERIES & HISTORY: Perhaps the greatest rivalry in the annals of professional basketball, the Lakers and Celtics have played some of the most memorable games in the sport's history. The teams have met in the Finals 10 times, and the Celtics have won eight of those matchups. But in 1987, the last meeting between the teams in the championship series, Los Angeles emerged victorious. It was the last appearance on the NBA's biggest stage for Boston, which had won the title the previous season. The championship history began in 1959, when the Celtics defeated the Minneapolis Lakers en route to their first of eight straight championships. But the rivalry really became contentious in the 1960s, as Boston defeated Los Angeles six times in eight years. Those matchups featured Hall of Famers Bill Russell and Bob Cousy of the Celtics and the Lakers' Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. Boston and Los Angeles added perhaps the most famous chapter of their history in the 1980s, when Larry Bird and Magic Johnson hit the scene with a flourish. The duo not only reinvigorated the rivalry but increased the popularity of the NBA, making the NBA Finals must-see TV. Bird and Magic played in the Finals three times, with Magic's Lakers winning twice. The Celtics won both matchups this season, but Gasol was still on the Memphis Grizzlies for both contests.

PREDICTION: Boston's first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1987 has its fans excited, and that should be evident at a frenzied TD Banknorth Garden in Game One. But the initial surge of energy should not benefit the Celtics past the opening contest. There are too many unknowns for Boston. Will Pierce be able to stand up to Bryant late in the game? Is Allen capable of stringing together multiple good games? Can coach Doc Rivers avoid panicking and settle on solid rotation? For all the questions about the Celtics, there is one thing certain about the Lakers - Kobe is the best player on the court. In series which pit two evenly matched teams, the one with the most dominant player usually prevails - and it will be no different this time around.

LAKERS IN SIX.

NBA Playoff Peview

Boston at Detroit, 5:30 pm ESPN
Eastern Conference Finals, Celtics lead, 3-2

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) - Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics are just one win away from clinching their first trip to the NBA Finals in 21 years. Garnett and the Celtics will look to finish off the Detroit Pistons on the road in Game Six of the Eastern Conference finals on Friday.

Boston, which is just 1-7 away from the TD Banknorth Garden during the playoffs, would like to avoid playing in a third straight Game Seven. "It's a huge game," Celtics captain Paul Pierce said. "We know how tough it is to win out there in Detroit. It's one of the biggest games that we played all year long." Garnett poured in a game-high 33 points while Kendrick Perkins added 18 points and 16 rebounds as the Celtics posted a 106-102 victory in Game Five on Wednesday, which gave them a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. "We knew the significance of this game," Garnett said Wednesday. "You don't win this game, you basically put yourself in a corner."

Ray Allen, who had been mired in a shooting slump throughout the postseason, had a playoff-high 29 points and nailed a shot from the corner as the shot clock was winding down to help preserve the nail-biting win. "You know Ray is going to continue to be Ray, regardless of how he shoots," Pierce said. "Just his presence on the floor alone is a great help." "I thought we had good focus, good energy to begin with," Garnett said. "I thought the third quarter was big for us. They made a run but, for the most part, you know they're going to make a run."

Chauncey Billups had 26 points while Richard Hamilton added 25 to lead Detroit, which nearly overcame a 17-point second-half deficit in the closing minutes. Hamilton strained his right elbow with 8.2 seconds left but X-rays were negative and is questionable for this one.

Rasheed Wallace, who was called for a crucial technical foul in fourth quarter, was highly critical of referees Mike Callahan and Ken Mauer after the Piston's loss. "All them (garbage) calls they had out there," Wallace said. "Mike and Kenny, you saw that (garbage), a lot of them phantom calls, cats flapping and falling, they're calling that (garbage). That (garbage) ain't basketball, what they run out there. It's all entertainment, all that (bleeping) entertainment." Wallace was fined $25,000 by the league on Thursday for the inflammatory remarks.

If neccessary, Game Seven will be in Boston on Sunday.

SoCal NBA Playoff Preview

San Antonio at LA Lakers, 6:00 pm, TNT

Western Conference Finals, Lakers lead series, 3-1

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - The defending champion San Antonio Spurs nearly pulled off a miracle comeback. Instead they are facing the daunting task of climbing out of a 3-1 hole. League MVP Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers seek to eliminate the Spurs on Thursday in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2004.

Bryant had 28 points and 10 rebounds and the top-seeded Lakers avoided a monumental late-game collapse to notch a 93-91 victory in San Antonio on Tuesday - the Spurs' first home loss of the postseason. It nearly did not happen though. San Antonio trailed by seven points with 50 seconds left, but some shoddy late-game management by the Lakers let them climb back into it before Brent Barry missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer. Barry, who scored a playoff-high 23 points, pump faked and appeared to fouled by Derek Fisher, but there was no call.

"We didn't manage the clock well at the end of the game, and we almost suffered the consequences for it," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "We just didn't quite get it done, so now we have a lot of work ahead of us," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said of the comeback attempt. Surprisingly, Barry agreed with the non-call. "That is not going to get called," Barry said. "Derek Fisher made a great defensive play. There was contact for sure, but I don't think I ran through him. I didn't initiate any contact. ... I never thought they would call a foul."

Not surprisingly, Bryant agreed with Barry's assessment. "No way," said Bryant when asked if it was a foul. "Not with all the contact that was going on during the game." Bryant, a three-time NBA champion, did not attempt a free throw Tuesday despite taking 29 shots. Now the Spurs are now facing a nearly unsurmountable deficit. "This is our first defeat here, and we had a hill to climb being down 0-2, and now we have Everest to climb being down 3-1," Barry said. The Lakers are looking to advance to the Finals for the first time since 2004, when they lost in five games to the Detroit Pistons.

NBA Playoff Preview

Detroit at Boston 5:30 pm, ESPN
Eastern Conference Finals, Series tied, 2-2

BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Boston Celtics are happy to be home. The Celtics try to push the Detroit Pistons to the brink of elimination when the teams meet in Game Five of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday.

After losing Game Four, 94-75, in Detroit on Monday, Boston looks to regain the lead in the best-of-seven series by taking advantage of its strong play at the TD Banknorth Garden. The Celtics are 9-1 at home in playoffs and are averaging just over 95 points per game while allowing only 81 to the opposition here. "It's 0-0 again, a three-game series," Celtics guard Ray Allen said. "We've got to protect our home court. We lost the last game at home and definitely have to win on that court to send a message."

Boston's only home loss this postseason came during Game Two when the Pistons claimed a 103-97 victory. The Celtics need an improved offensive effort from emotional leader Kevin Garnett on Wednesday after the NBA Defensive Player of the Year was limited to just 16 points on Monday after averaging 24 over the first three games of the series. "He'll be fine," said Boston coach Doc Rivers of Garnett. "He'll be tough on himself, which is always good. Self-motivation is the best. "All our guys were disappointed because they knew they didn't play well (in Game Four). Yet they knew they had a chance to win the game. That in some ways, gives them a little bit of confidence, even though the score wouldn't justify having that."

Garnett struggled against an inspired Antonio McDyess, who had 21 points and 16 rebounds for the Pistons and is the only Detroit starter without an NBA championship ring. "We couldn't start like we did last game," McDyess said. "I felt that if I started knocking down shots the team would feed off of it. I thought I did a good job of doing that." McDyess' success may have come from Boston's defensive rotations, which left the veteran forward wide open. "They always leave me for some reason," he said. "They're a big help team on the strong side and the weak side is always open. They've been doing that since day one. (Coach) Flip (Saunders) emphasized that (in the) last practice, 'Dyess is going to be open at the top of the key,' and the players have been getting me the ball." Game Six is in Detroit on Friday.

SoCal NBA Playoff Preview

LA Lakers at San Antonio, 6:00 pm, TNT
Western Conference Finals, Lakers lead, 2-1

SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) - After a pair of disheartening losses in Los Angeles, the San Antonio Spurs rebounded nicely in Game Three. The Spurs hope to carry that momentum into Tuesday when they host the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the Western Conference finals.

The defending champion Spurs blew a 20-point lead in Game One and were blown out, 101-71, in Game Two on Friday. But San Antonio came alive on Sunday, handing Los Angeles its worst loss of these playoffs with a 103-84 triumph. Manu Ginobili had scored just 17 points through the first two games but had 30 in Game Three to lead the Spurs attack. "It's really not a surprise anymore," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said of Ginobili. "(He) is such a competitor. He puts so much on his shoulders, and he fights through a lot of things. He's got a lot of confidence in what he can do."

Tim Duncan added 22 points and 21 rebounds for the Spurs, who improved to 7-0 at home during the postseason. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points in the loss and is averaging 31.7 during the playoffs, but the MVP will need more help in Game Four.

Forwards Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol combined to shoot just 31 percent (9-of-29) from the field, scoring 22 points. The duo is averaging 33.5 during the postseason. "I think they weren't decisive enough on what they wanted to get done," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "They had their opportunities and missed some layups and things just didn't go well."

Despite the lack of help from his supporting cast, Bryant thinks the Lakers need to improve their defense to keep the Spurs from knotting up the series. "If we can't get stops, it doesn't matter," Bryant said. "We had a point there where we cut it to 12 or nine, and we couldn't get stops. So, whether I go off for a 20-point quarter or 15-point quarter, we still have to get stops."

NBA Playoff Preview

Boston at Detroit, 5:30 pm, ESPN

Eastern Conference Finals, Celtics lead, 2-1

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) -- The Detroit Pistons can not afford another slow start. The Pistons will try to use their playoff experience to even up things in Game Four of the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics on Monday.

Boston relied on a big first quarter to end its six-game road losing streak in the postseason to easily dispatch Detroit with Saturday's 94-80 victory in Game Three. "It was more like a gorilla," Paul Pierce said of Boston's road woes before Saturday. "Before the game, I told the guys, 'Hey, during the regular season, we were the best team in the league on the road, so let's go out there and show them."

Still recovering from a nagging right hamstring injury, All-Star guard Chauncey Billups struggled with just six points on 1-of-6 shooting for Detroit, which shot just 38 percent (28-of-73) from the field. "It's very disappointing," Billups said. "We got off to a horrible start on both ends, and you can't do that against a team like that." "We didn't come out and play," Pistons rookie guard Rodney Stuckey said. "You can't let a team like that start with two dunks. We had a chance to take control of the series, and we didn't do nothing with it."

Billups remains the key to success for Detroit, which is 0-3 when the 2004 Finals MVP fails to reach double figure this postseason - including two loss in this series. The loss gave the Celtics home-court advantage again. "They have home court back," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said. "That makes Monday a crucial game for us - no ifs, ands or buts."

Boston coach Doc Rivers received rare contributions from Kendrick Perkins and James Posey, getting 24 points and 14 rebounds from the duo. "We've talked a lot about both ends of the floor in the last 48 hours, and we took care of both of them, which was great," Rivers said. "The defensive pressure was great all game, and the offensive ball movement was terrific all game. We play like that, we like our chances."

SoCal NBA Playoff Preview

LA Lakers at San Antonio, 5:30 pm, TNE

Western Conference Finals, Lakers lead, 2-0

SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- The defending champion San Antonio Spurs look to avoid falling into an insurmountable three-game hole Sunday when they host the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the Western Conference finals.

Kobe Bryant led a balanced attack Friday with 22 points as the Lakers remained undefeated at home in the playoffs with a convincing 101-71 victory in Game Two. "I think we are playing good basketball," Lakers guard Jordan Farmar said. "We're not really thinking too much, we're just playing, taking what they give us, and taking advantage of it."

The Spurs lost the first two games of the conference semifinals against the New Orleans Hornets before battling back to win their best-of-seven series. "No comfort being down 0-2 ever," Spurs forward Tim Duncan said. "We're going home and, one of two things is going to happen, either we're going to turn it around and make this thing into a series or we're not."

Lakers forward Lamar Odom bounced back from his dismal eight-point effort in the series opener, collecting 20 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks on Friday. San Antonio hopes a return home can bring some life into swingman Manu Ginobili, whose injured ankle continues to give him trouble in the series. He is averaging just 8.5 points thus far.

The Spurs own a 6-0 record in the postseason at the AT&T Center, where they are winning by an average of 10.5 points.

Boston at Detroit, 5:30 pm, ABC

Eastern Conference Finals, Series tied, 1-1

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) - After stumbling at home in Game Two, the Boston Celtics now need to accomplish something they have been unable to do in the playoffs - win a game on the road.

The Celtics look to overcome their struggles away from home and forge a two-games-to-one lead in the Eastern Conference finals when they visit the Detroit Pistons for Game Three on Saturday. Boston was a perfect 9-0 at home during the playoffs before suffering their first loss at the TD Banknorth Garden on Thursday, dropping a 103-97 decision to the Pistons.

"Disappointing loss," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "Now, we have to go out on the road and win a game, so that's what we'll do." The Celtics are 0-6 in the playoffs this season, advancing to the conference finals strictly by winning at home. "Well, this is a test for us," Celtics All-Star guard Ray Allen said. "We talked about all the things that happened in the first two rounds and now we're in a situation where we can't move on without winning on the road."

Allen finally ended his offensive woes during Game Three, pouring in 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting while hitting his first 3-pointer since Game Five of the Conference semifinals in the fourth quarter. The 32-year-old had averaged just 9.0 points in his last nine playoff games dating to the first round. "I thought Ray had an excellent night," said Celtics forward Kevin Garnett, who finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds in Game Two. "I think confidence-wise this is what he probably needed. I know (Celtics guard) Paul (Pierce) and myself kept encouraging him, so it was good to see him have a nice game (Thursday). I thought he was aggressive."

Pistons guard Chauncey Billups scored 19 points on Thursday without committing a turnover after he had just nine points and two assists in 31 minutes in Game One - when he showed some sluggishness in his return from a two-game layoff to recover from a lingering hamstring injury. "It was a big win, a huge win," said Billups, who told reporters he felt completely fine after the game. "They're a great home team. We wanted to win Game One but, when we didn't we said, 'Let's try to get one, let's try to steal home court advantage from this team.'"

Detroit did just that - overcoming Boston's home-court prowess - and now has a chance to take the series lead at home, where they are 5-1 this postseason. "We'll see what happens, but this point in the season when you get a big win, it is one game at a time," Billups said. "So we put all our effort and energy into Saturday night, and we'll talk after that."

SoCal NBA Playoff Preview

San Antonio at LA Lakers, 6:00 pm, TNT

Western Conference finals, Lakers lead, 1-0

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The San Antonio Spurs try to put a heartbreaking loss behind them when they take on the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the Western Conference finals on Friday.

Despite leading nearly the entire game and holding a 20-point advantage in the third quarter, the Spurs failed to close out the Lakers, who rallied from behind for an 89-85 victory in Wednesday's Game One. Kobe Bryant went scoreless in the first quarter and managed just two points on three attempts by halftime.

However, the NBA's Most Valuable Player stepped up in the second half, pouring in 25 of his 27 points - including 14 in the fourth quarter. "Kobe was doing his trust-his-teammates thing in the first half," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "In the second half, he went to work." "I just tried to manage the flow of the game," Bryant said. "I can get (my shot off) any time and, in the second half, I did that." Pau Gasol added 19 points and seven rebounds for the Lakers, who improved to 7-0 at Staples Center this postseason. "The way we just kept battling, just gave us a chance and put us in a position to win the game," Gasol said.

Tim Duncan finished with 30 points and 18 rebounds while Tony Parker added 18, 10 and six assists for the Spurs, who did not have a chance to practice before Game One after they encountered travel troubles en route to Los Angeles from New Orleans following their Game Seven victory over the Hornets.

However, Parker didn't blame his team's meltdown on its delayed arrival. "No one gives any excuse, we were in pretty good shape and had a good lead," he said. "We're not going to try to think we were tired or stuff like that. "We had a great chance to win the game and we just didn't play well enough in the fourth quarter." San Antonio is in bad shape if history means anything as Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson is 40-0 when winning Game One of a playoff series.