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.

By Jon Saraceno BOSTON -- Somewhere upstairs, the ol' Redster wore a green robe, an unlit cigar clenched in his mouth. No doubt Red Auerbach, late architect of the original Boston dynasty, was joyful: His beloved Celtics have returned from pro basketball's dead.

By Steve Buckley, Boston Herald Jun. 18--The only thing missing was William "The Refrigerator" Perry plunging into the end zone for a touchdown. You remember that one, right? It was that one-sided for the Celtics last night at the Garden.

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.

By JOSEPH WHITE FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Red Auerbach was buried in a simple graveside ceremony Tuesday, with Hall of Famers Bill Russell and John Thompson and commissioner David Stern among those paying last respects.