SPRINGFIELD, Mass., March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Panini America (www.paniniamerica.net), a subsidiary of The Panini Group, the leading global publisher of sports and entertainment collectables will bring Basketball Legends and the Adrenalyn Tour to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this weekend (March 13-14) for basketball skills activities, games and giveaways.

The NBA has named its annual most valuable player award for the playoff finals after Boston Celtics great Bill Russell beginning this season. Commissioner David Stern made the announcement in Phoenix, the site of this year's all-star contest. Who better to name this prestigious award for than one of the greatest players of all time and the ultimate champion? Stern asked during a news conference Saturday.

The NBA Players Association filed a grievance on behalf of Indiana Pacers guard Jamaal Tinsley, who has been told by management to stay away from the team. Tinsley is on the Pacers' active roster, but because of off-court incidents he has been kept inactive.

BOSTON _ This was always the Boston Celtics' ace in the hole. They would have preferred not having to use it, but there was comfort in knowing it was there if they needed it. It was, in the end, an ace all the way.

Banner No. 17 is halfway to the rafters. The Celtics are two wins from another NBA championship. And maybe a little lucky to be there.