10 Reasons Why The Celtics Are The NBA World Champions:

1. Boston's Big 3 came up "BIG" - Hot shooting Ray Allen, Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Garnett, and Finals MVP Paul Pierce put up big all-around numbers in terms of points, rebounds and assists. Their presence was the driving force in both the Celtics' defense and offense. They also played well together, as well as fed of each others' hunger for the NBA championship.

2. Kobe Bryant could not do it all - This season's MVP, no matter how good he is, is not a one-man team. He could have carried the team on his shoulders if he really wanted to. As he said, though, that would not have been good for the team. In a 7 game series also, it would have been impossible for him to sustain it throughout the series. His desire and resolve were apparent, but he could not do it alone.

3. Gasol and Odom did not show up - The Lakers' big men had meager output almost all throughout the Finals. They missed shots and passes, and fared poorly in defense. They were also outrebounded by Boston's big men. They were not an efficient part of the triangle offense and were unable to support their main man Kobe.

4. The rest of the Lakers starters were also mediocre - Fisher and "Space Cadet" Radmanovic only showed flashes of brilliance. Fisher might be a veteran but he has also become slower and could not keep up with Boston's faster guards. Radmanovic also lacked aggressiveness.

5. The Lakers Bench were a non-factor - The Bench Mob failed miserably. Whereas they showed energy from the bench in previous playoff series', they made more errors and were unable to contribute in the Finals. Vujacic, Farmar, Walton and Turiaf were exceptional during the season and early in the Playoffs but did not seem focused against Boston. This goes to show their youth and lack of experience in such a big stage as the Finals.

6. Boston's bench was better - Mostly veterans, the Boston bench showed experience, poise and mental toughness. Brown, Cassell, House and Posey contributed when it mattered the most, especially when Boston was trailing. The younger bench players like Powe and Allen also showed energy especially on defense.

7. Rivers outcoached Jackson - Doc Rivers simply had Jackson's number and was able to adjust and outplay Kobe and the triangle offense of the Lakers. He also focused on his players' defensive skills and was able to one their teamwork in order to limit the Lakers' firepower. Not to take anything against Jackson's coaching, but Rivers simply had better talent to start with.

8. Homecourt is really an advantage - With the Celtics having homecourt advantage all throughout the series, they were able to draw upon the energy of the hometown crowd. If only the Lakers could have won Game 4 in their own homecourt, they would have had momentum and a better chance at beating the Celtics at the Garden.

9. Bynum? - He would have probably made a difference had he been able to play because he would have been a presence inside the paint, would have contributed to more rebounds, and would have drawn defenders to free up outside shooters. Unfortunately, that is something we will never know. It is something to look forward to next season if the Lakers again reach deep into the Playoffs.

10. The Celtics were the better team - On paper, the Celtics were better. They had the better season record and averages. Simply put, the Lakers were stifled by the Celtics' defense. As the saying goes, they were able to turn it into offense at the opposite end. The Lakers were not able to match the intensity of the Celtics. The Celtics also took advantage of The Lakers youth, inexperience, errors, and lack of cohesiveness down the stretch.

Congratulations to the Boston Celtics on their 17th NBA Championship!

Next sports event to watch: Wimbledon, starting June 23. Will Federer be able to redeem himself in his humiliating French Open loss by winning a 6th consecutive Wimbledon title?