THROUGH THE WIRE: MONDAY (01/31/11)

24. The Lakers donned the throwbacks Sunday night and also took it back to the old days of being dominated by Boston as they lost 109-96 to the Celtics. The C's where just too much for L.A. in their revenge game. This was the first time these two storied, related franchises have played at STAPLES, since the hard-fought Game 7 that the Lakers won along with the NBA Championship. Kobe passed the 27,000 point milestone with a season-high matching 41, but this Glen Rice number couldn't shoot down Boston's lead. Pierce had 32 for the Celtics, while Ray Allen kept up pace with 21. Garnett also added 18 while Rajon Rondo set the table with 16 dishes. With all this firepower the Lakers just couldn't clear the table. Now these big losses are becoming food for thought for the defending champs.

48. Derrick Rose has been named the 'CDW/IBM Player of the Month' for January. This is the second time the outstanding guard has been given the honor after being the first this season to be named it in January. Spearheading the stampeding Bulls to and 11-4 record the Chicago point averaged a team high, 25.9 points per game and 7.4 assist per to go with 4.3 rebounds in 37.8 minutes of average play. Nothing this month however was average about one of the best guards in the association. Percentages of .442 from the field, .349 percent three and .887 from the stripe can be affiliated to this notion. Rose had three games where he bloomed to more than 30 points and he dished more than 10 assists in four contests. January saw many statistical shows from Derrick including his first triple double of his NBA career.

82. Emeka Okafor suffered a muscle strain during a game against the Phoenix Suns. The New Orleans centre suffered some burn after hitting the deck with 1:56 to go in the first half. With some hip pain the Hornets rebounding machine joined the nest on the bench. Now the dependable centre will be monitored day to day, time for reserve, Jason Smith to step up and into his place.

O.T. Deron Williams is also out injured. The stellar Jazz playmaker missed his second game with a hyper extended right wrist...as the Miami Heat, ended the Oklahoma City Thunders home run, it was Eddie's House as the guard hit a clutch 3...Miami's star LeBron's former team the Cavaliers suffered their 20th consecutive loss...the Sixers took out the brooms as they sweeped their season series against Denver...speaking of which this week Carmelo Anthony will finally be going to New Jersey, but with his Nuggets team as these two teams face off like Cage and Travolta. TIM DAVID HARVEY.