June 4, 2002
Let comparisons with NBA's best-ever begin

"We're special," Shaquille O'Neal was saying after the Lakers' dramatic 112-106 overtime victory Sunday over the Sacramento Kings in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals. "I thank Mr. (Jerry) West for putting us together. He knew the kid (Kobe Bryant) was going to be special. He knew I was having problems in my other city and knew to come and get me. So he put us together.

NBA finals capsule

The series is the best four-of-seven with the first two games at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, then the next two at New Jersey's Continental Airlines Arena. If necessary, Game 5 will also be in New Jersey, and Games 6 and 7 will be in Los Angeles.

June 3, 2002
Mavs' Nelson, Nuggets to talk

DALLAS — In addition to scouting player prospects, Denver Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe apparently will scan a predraft camp for coaching possibilities as well.

Lakers stifle Kings, gain NBA Finals

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — They played like pretenders for five games, triggering questions about their valor. Their stars, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, spent much of that time looking outmanned and out of shape, primarily because their supporting cast spent a significant amount of this series missing in action.

June 2, 2002
Final showdown for Lakers-Kings

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After two weeks of bad burgers, buzzer-beaters and brilliant basketball, the epic Western Conference finals will be decided in one game Sunday in front of the NBA's loudest fans.

June 1, 2002
Nets nip Celtics, advance to finals

BOSTON — This is no joke: The former laughingstocks of the Eastern Conference are going to the NBA Finals.

Lakers force Game 7

LOS ANGELES — The team with back-to-back titles, having waited an entire postseason for this night, finally had its two icons playing at something resembling full capacity.

May 31, 2002
Elimination doesn't scare L.A.

El SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Lakers' backs are to the wall. Well Phil Jackson's was anyway.

May 30, 2002
Terps' Dixon out to prove a point

The questions resonate and resonate until an insane ringing forms in Juan Dixon's ears.

Nets top Celtics to grab 3-2 lead

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Through some strange combination of reverse psychology and masochism, the New Jersey Nets have turned their Game 3 meltdown into a positive.

Georgia's Harrick talks to Nuggets

ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia men's basketball coach Jim Harrick confirmed Wednesday that he has spoken with Denver Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe, but Harrick insisted he hasn't interviewed for the NBA franchise's coaching vacancy.

May 29, 2002
Celtics can't afford to be late

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Tipoff tonight at the Meadowlands is scheduled for around 7:07. That would be 7:37 p.m., C.T.

Bibby sinks Lakers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Mike Bibby made the big shot this time and the Sacramento Kings moved to the brink of eliminating the two-time defending NBA champions.