The reigning champs have been dreaming of this for two years and were impressive. Within the first minute it was clear Ron Artest is not one bit intimidated by the physical Celtics as he and Pierce ended up on the floor signaling Lakers/Celtics Finals have arrived. The game as expected was physical 54 fouls between them but this is not the '08 Lakers the Leprechauns pushed around. Those absent from that series had a nice impact for the defending champs, Ron Artest showed to be a huge upgrade from Radmanovic/Walton making Pierce work for his 6/13 FGs, he was able to get to the line as usual 12/13 though, but besides his defense Ron chipped in 15 unexpected points on 5/10 shooting, if this continues, the Lakers will wrap this up quick, don't hold your breath though. The other absentee, Andrew Bynum, helps out with his mere presence by allowing Gasol to play his natural position and having the ability to match Perkins strength, in 28 mins, 'drew chipped in 10 pts, 6 rebs, not bad at all. The Lakers' heroes were again the duo of Bryant and Gasol who combined for 53 pts, 21 rebs, 9 assits and 4 blocks.
The Leprechauns got hit with early fouls on sharp shooter Ray Allen who never got in rythem and had limited time due to fouls, they would trail by as many as 20 pts, but did make their usual run, but in the end could not match the Lakers size as they controlled the boards. Rondo got his necessary 8 assist but was not able to create havoc as in '08, KG was decent offensive 16 pts, but only pulled down 4 rebounds, Paul Pierce led the Celtics in scoring but got little help, 5th starter Perkins chipped in 8 pts, but only 3 rebs, no one for the Leprechauns pulled 10 rebs, Pierce led them with 9.
The Lakers looked focused and survived a poor game by Lamar Odom, they have to continue the attack and confidence play and go to Boston leading 2-0.
Player of the Game: Pau Gasol consistency is vital for the champs, 23 pts, 14 rebs, 4 blks (all in the 1st half), he really shines as PF better than center.
X-Factor: Ron Ron's defense on Pierce was great but his 15 pts were huge.
Shoud Have Been Benched: Lamar Odom, had as many pts as fouls, never a good stat, Lakers cannot hope to survive another subpar game by Candyman.
Laker Hater: 'Sheed has definately played better in the post season than regular, he hit3/4 shots for 9 points after scoring a donut the last game.
Overtime: Phil Jackson is 47-0 All-Time when his team's wins game 1. Notable teams to drop series after winning game 1: Mavericks '06, Sixer's '01, Jazz '98, Lakers '91, in the last 20 years, history is on Lakers side.
The Leprechauns got hit with early fouls on sharp shooter Ray Allen who never got in rythem and had limited time due to fouls, they would trail by as many as 20 pts, but did make their usual run, but in the end could not match the Lakers size as they controlled the boards. Rondo got his necessary 8 assist but was not able to create havoc as in '08, KG was decent offensive 16 pts, but only pulled down 4 rebounds, Paul Pierce led the Celtics in scoring but got little help, 5th starter Perkins chipped in 8 pts, but only 3 rebs, no one for the Leprechauns pulled 10 rebs, Pierce led them with 9.
The Lakers looked focused and survived a poor game by Lamar Odom, they have to continue the attack and confidence play and go to Boston leading 2-0.
Player of the Game: Pau Gasol consistency is vital for the champs, 23 pts, 14 rebs, 4 blks (all in the 1st half), he really shines as PF better than center.
X-Factor: Ron Ron's defense on Pierce was great but his 15 pts were huge.
Shoud Have Been Benched: Lamar Odom, had as many pts as fouls, never a good stat, Lakers cannot hope to survive another subpar game by Candyman.
Laker Hater: 'Sheed has definately played better in the post season than regular, he hit3/4 shots for 9 points after scoring a donut the last game.
Overtime: Phil Jackson is 47-0 All-Time when his team's wins game 1. Notable teams to drop series after winning game 1: Mavericks '06, Sixer's '01, Jazz '98, Lakers '91, in the last 20 years, history is on Lakers side.
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