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Lakers play at their best dominating the Celtics 102-89 to win Game 1 of the NBA Finals. As we all know Phil Jackson is 47-0 when his team wins game one, and the Lakers winning Game 1 puts the Celtics on the bad side of history. Los Angeles exposed two of the Celtics glaring weaknesses, rebounding and turnovers. Lakers out rebounded the Celtics 42 to 31. Celtics committed 13 turnovers.
Ron Artest made (3) more three-pointers then the entire Boston Celtics team(1). the Celtics had the best three point shooting percentage in the playoffs, and they shot 10% in Game 1.
Kobe Bryant was his usual self finishing with 30 points, 6 dimes, and 7 boards. Pau Gasol showed his soft side at times (called for flopping) and showed his toughness getting 3 blocks. He finished with 23 points, and 14 rebounds.
Early in the game referees Joe Crawford, Derrick Stafford, and Joe Derossa set the tone of the series, calling double technicals on Artest and Pierce 27 seconds into the game. 18 fouls were called in the first quarter, including two big fouls on Ray Allen forcing him to spend the majority of the first half on the bench.
Down by as many as 20, Celtics captain Paul Pierce refused to quit, turning it on a bit too late finishing with 23 points and 9 boards. Kevin Garnett was a ghost of himself, looking sluggish and as if he was wearing concrete shoes. He and Rondo put up more shots then Pierce and Allen, both missed the majority. Boston didnt play defense as well as they have played this postseason.
Both benches had a small impact, but this was a game dominated by the starters, and the Lakers kept their composure getting a big lead in the third quarter (34-23). They kept their foot on the gas right up to Kobe making sure the Lakers fans all got tacos hitting a three with 3 seconds late, busting the clock.
Game 1 is Sunday in Los Angeles. Lakers lead series 1-0.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
