Leading Off

TALC OF THE TOWN
The July 31, 2007, acquisition of former NBA MVP Kevin Garnett from Minnesota immediately elevated Boston to title contender. In the regular season Garnett averaged 18.8 points and 9.2 rebounds and was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year.

THE TRUTH WILL OUT
Paul Pierce and the Celtics were down but not out in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Pierce scored a game-high 20 points and helped slow Kobe Bryant on the defensive end as Boston, down by 24 in the first half, rallied for a 97-91 victory in L.A.

THE POWER OF THREE
Boston's Big Three, version 2.0—from left, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce—enjoyed the Boston pops (of champagne) in the locker room after Game 6. The Celtics crushed the Lakers 131-92 to win the franchise's 17th NBA title and first in 22 years.