A backlight assembly for a liquid crystal display panel, including a lamp housing; a lamp; a diffuser plate; and a plurality of supports. The supports each has first and second members. The first member has a body and a groove formed in the body for holding the lamp and attaching the lamp to the lamp housing. A ring-shape member may be disposed about a section of the lamp for providing cushioning between the lamp and the first member. The second member has an elongated body for supporting the diffuser plate when it attempts to sag or distort.