*So the Celtics want to play rough again? Kobe Bryant and the Lakers look ready this time around, and they barged into an early lead in the NBA finals.
Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 14 rebounds, and defending champion Los Angeles got tough in a 102-89 victory over Boston in the NBA finals opener Thursday night.
Ron Artest scored 15 points after tumbling to the ground in a tangle with Paul Pierce in the opening minute of the 12th finals meeting in the NBA’s most scintillating rivalry. Bryant and Gasol then led a gritty physical effort against the Celtics, who memorably pushed around the Lakers while winning their 2008 finals matchup in six games.
“They were the more physical team by far,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “They were more aggressive. They attacked us the entire night. I didn’t think we handled it very well.”
Pierce scored 24 points and Kevin Garnett added 16 after a slow start for the Celtics, who might not want to know Lakers coach Phil Jackson’s teams in Los Angeles and Chicago have won 47 straight playoff series after winning Game 1.
“I wish I had put it in the bank, so to speak,” said Jackson, the 10-time champion. “We’ve got to play this out. … Our defense stiffened at various points in the game, was very effective. We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but it’s nice to know that (the 47-0 streak) is on our side.”
Game 2 is Sunday night at Staples Center.
Click HERE for more of this AP story.
Watch the top 5 plays from Game 1:
This is actually a grudge series for the Lakers.
I heard that after the Celtics beat them for the championship, the Lakers were stuck in traffic because of the celebrations. That’s when someone recognized Phil Jackson sitting in the front of the bus. The Celtics fans then started throwing stuff on the bus, and taunting them. So they’ve been waiting for this.
What you think that 3 by Kobe with 3 sec was about?
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If the Celtics wanna make this a long series, they’d better split in L.A.
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GO LAKERS!!!!!
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