Lakers’ defense shines in Finals-opening win over Celtics! The talk coming into the game circled around how the Celtics’ defense may rival that of the 2008 championship team. On Thursday, the Lakers showed their rendition of defense. They took charges. They caused deflections. They altered and rejected shots inside. In short, they frustrated Boston. That defense coupled with a late third-quarter spurt helped the defending champs deliver an emphatic blow to the Celtics, winning 102-89 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals at Staples Center. “I think people forget how good we are defensively,” Lakers forward Lamar Odom said. No one is forgetting how dominating Phil Jackson’s teams are after winning Game 1 in a series as his teams are a perfect 47-0. But a reminder of the Lakers’ ultimate goal was apparent in the locker room after the game. Scribbled in black on a white board directly across Kobe Bryant’s locker was the phrase “3 Mo.” “We’re counting down,” said Odom, whose team is now 9-0 at home in the postseason with Game 2 on Sunday. Leading the way for the Lakers in the series opener was Bryant, who had a game-high 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists. He has now scored 30-plus in 10 of his last 11 contests. Pau Gasol had a terrific all-around game with 23 points, 14rebounds and three blocks. Ron Artest chipped in 15. The dominating fashion in which the Lakers, who led by as many as 20 points, took Game 1 was surprising, even to Boston’s Paul Pierce. That’s because they have …
Visit link:
Celtics – Lakers – Game 1 – NBA Finals 2010
