Celtics rip Lakers to win record 17th title

Reuters
BOSTON - The Boston Celtics captured a record 17 th NBA championship by trouncing the Los Angeles Lakers 131-92 on Tuesday to seal the best-of-seven series 4- 2.
The Game Six win clinched the first championship for the Celtics since the Larry Bird era 22 years ago.
Playing in the shadow of 16 championship banners hanging from the rafters, Boston took control of the game in the second quarter and stretched a four-point lead into a 58-35 advantage by the intermission.
Off-season acquisitions Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen each had 26 points to lead the Celtics, Allen hitting seven-of-nine from three-point range. Paul Pierce had 17 points for the Celtics and was named the MVP of the championship series.
A delirious green and white-clad crowd at the Garden roared in unison "Beat L.A." and "Where's Kobe?' from the opening tip until the final buzzer.
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant opened quickly but fizzled. The league MVP had 11 points after the opening quarter but only three free throws in the second when the Celtics took command.
He finished with 22 points but hit only seven of 22 shots and committed four turnovers in the rout.
Los Angeles never closed the gap below 23 points after halftime.