Next up: LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Game 1 is tomorrow night.

Rajon Rondo, who missed a potential game-tying three-pointer in the Game 6 loss that forced the series back to Boston, had 10 points and six assists, taking his lumps on a key play.

The skirmishes of the first six games boiled over with 9 minutes, 9 seconds left in the third quarter, with Boston already leading 51-28, when Rondo got the ball on a breakaway in the third quarter and had only Marvin Williams to beat.

The Hawks forward put an arm across his chest and took Rondo to the floor, where he stayed for a few minutes while Celtics coaches and teammates checked on him. The officials immediately signaled a flagrant 2 foul and, after reviewing the play, threw Williams out of the game.

Lakers 109, Jazz 98

LOS ANGELES - Kobe Bryant had 38 points as Los Angeles made it five straight playoff wins by beating Utah to begin the second round.

Game 2 will be played Wednesday night before the best-of-seven series shifts to Utah for Games 3 and 4. Word leaked late Friday that Bryant had won his first Most Valuable Player award and he expressed his joy on Saturday. The NBA has declined comment, but Bryant is expected to receive the MVP trophy before Game 2.

Pau Gasol added 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the Lakers.

Mehmet Okur had 21 points for the Jazz.

Saturday's late game

NEW ORLEANS - David West scored 30 points to lead New Orleans to victory over San Antonio in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series.

Game 2 will be tonight.