Garnett shoots Celtics to NBA crown after crushing Lakers

The 39-point margin - the second largest in finals history - came thanks to 26 points apiece for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, and 21 from Rajon Rondo at a packed 18,000-capacity TD Banknorth Garden.

"I'm so happy right now," said Garnett after his side clinched the crown for the first time since 1986. "Anything is possible."

Success had been a long time coming for Garnett, Paul Pierce - 17 points and had 10 assists - and Allen. The Celtics trio had tried for 12, nine and 11 years to savour such an occasion.

"This is all we talked about and it's finally here," said Pierce. "Kevin, Ray and myself, we sacrificed so much. We got all sorts of rewards in this league but we never got to the mountain top. Today it's a breath of fresh air."

Pierce, who was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, averaging 21.8 points and 6.3 assists in the series, added: "This is what it is, this is what we talk about. It’s one thing to talk about it and another thing to go out and do it, and we did it.

"We put in hard work, all the way from September, going to Rome staying together, and guys dropping their egos for the good of the team. An unbelievable experience, if you’re going to win a championship you want to win one with the Boston Celtics."

After seeing his side recover from missing nine of their first 10 shots to surge to a 58-35 half-time lead, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said: "Offensively and defensively it was just perfect tonight."

Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant, who hit 22 points, added: "I've seen some pretty stiff (defences) and this was right up there with them. They definitely were the best defence I've seen in the entire play-offs."

Winners: Kevin Garnett (left) and Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics celebrate