NBA Finals Game 1 Review
(Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers)
In the first 27 seconds of game 1 of the NBA Finals, Ron Artest and Paul Pierce were engaged in a battle each earning a technical foul. This set the tone for the rest of the game. Kobe Braynt, Pau Gasol and the Lakers Triangle offense dominated the Celtics in all facets of the game. Kobe and the Lakers came away with a game 1 victory with the score 102 to 89. A team coached by Phil Jackson has not lost a playoff series when his team has won game one like they did last night. Before this game Jackson is 47-0 when winning game 1 of a playoff series.
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to victory scoring 30 points while adding in 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Pau Gasol scored 23 points and helped his team dominate the glass with 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. Ron Artest only scored 15 points but was a force on defense. The Lakers dominated in the paint and on the boards. L.A. did not allow Boston any second chance points throughout the entire game. Ray Allen of the Celtics was very limited by foul trouble and was only able to play 27 minutes and score 12 points while going 0-2 from long range. Paul Pierce was guarded mostly by Bryant and Artest who both did a pretty good job of limiting his production. The Lakers got a boost from injured big man Andrew Bynum.
Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics was limited to just 13 points and only scoring 3 in the second half. Rondo did dish out 8 assists while only committing 2 turnovers. Celtics starting center Kendrick Perkins picked up his 7 technical of the postseason and will have to miss game 2. Rasheed Wallace who is known for his temper also picked up a technical for arguing with the referees. Kevin Garnett struggled only scoring 16 points and even more disappointing 4 rebounds.
In game 2 of this series, the Lakers hope to keep the home court advantage working in their favor. Without Perkins, Boston's bench becomes even more important. Tony Allen and Glen Davis were almost non-existent in game 1. The Celtics appear to be in big trouble after being dominated in game 1 of the NBA Finals.
By Steven Spector
