The Boston Celtics won game 1 of the NBA Finals last night in impressive fashion. The 98-88 victory came by way of doing what many thought was impossible, stopping Kobe Bryant. The Celts stifling defense held Kobe to 24 points on 9 for 26 shooting, they did this by throwing different looks at him with Allen, Posey, even Cassell guarding him at times. They also had a strong performance from the BIG 3 offensively with KG leading the way with 24 points & 13 boards. The talk of the night of course was Paul Pierce's injury and then return which included back to back 3's to put the momentum in Boston's hands for the rest of the game.
"When I first fell to the ground I heard a pop in my knee," Pierce said. "I thought I tore something."
So did everyone else in attendance as their heart sank watching their season go down in flames. But none the less Boston is up 1-0 and all eyes will be on Pierce's knee and Kobe's jumper as game two gets underway Saturday night. As most people assume Kobe will bounce back to have a much better offensive showing but will it be enough? Will Odom stay out of foul trouble and get into the flow of the game? What about Pau? He was uncharacteristically passive in Game 1 will this change or will the Celtics physical style of play deter him from scoring in the paint and force him to shoot 18 foot jumpers? Either way game 1 lived up to the hype. Now will the Lakers? That's still to be determined.
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