Lakers Toughen Up, Take Game 1

It was a physical game with 54 fouls and two technicals called. The Lakers didn’t mind as long as they were up 1-0. The Celtics fell in Los Angeles 102-89.

It was a complete reversal in this year’s finals. Back in 2008, the Celtics were more physical and basically imposed their will on the Lakers. They punked Pau Gasol into playing a little man’s game and forced Kobe Bryant to shoot terrible from outside. Fast forward to year 2010, the Lakers outrebounded the Celtics 42 to 31. Gasol outplayed Kevin Garnett by notching 23 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists. He punked Garnett and Kendrick Perkins in the paint in a desperate attempt to shed his ‘soft’ label.

Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo was ineffective the whole game. He could not steer his team into a smooth offensive flow. A large part of that can be owed to Bryant guarding him. Kobe stayed in front of the Celtics guard and prevented him from getting into the lane.

Ray Allen found himself in foul trouble all night. He scored only 12 points and was on the bench in moments when the Lakers were pulling away.

But the biggest difference was Ron Artest. Paul Pierce had to work for his points. He scored 24 points, but half of those were from the free throw line. Artest got into Pierce’s head in the opening moments of the game when both players got tangled up and fell to the floor. Not only did Artest contain Pierce but he hit the three that put the game completely out of reach for the Celtics. Bryant and Gasol got their numbers but the biggest difference maker was Artest.

How will the Celtics respond? With the way they played, the Lakers look headed for a sweep.

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