CONGRATS TO THE CELTICS

On a new parquet floor below aging championship banners, the Boston Celtics won their 17th NBA title and a first one -- at last -- for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen -- their Big Three for a new generation.

After 22 long years, the NBA has gone green.

Lifted by ear-splitting chants of "Beat L.A." from their adoring crowd, which included Boston legends Bill Russell John Havlicek and JoJo White, the Celtics concluded a shocking rebound of a season with a stunning 131-92 blowout over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 on Tuesday night.

Garnett scored 26 points with 14 rebounds, Allen scored 26 and Pierce, the Finals MVP, added 17 as the Celtics, a 24-win team a year ago, wrapped up their first crown since 1986.