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NBA: Los Angeles Lakers 102, Boston 89
LOS ANGELES, (UPI) -- Kobe Bryant quickly exerted his influence Thursday and the Los Angeles Lakers opened the NBA Finals with a physical, 102-89 victory over Boston.
The Lakers relied on their superstar for offense and on Pau Gasol for a domination of the backboards in producing a convincing victory in Game 1 of the NBA's championship series.
Bryant scored 30 points, the last of them coming on a 3-pointer in the final seconds that simply added to a frustrating night for the Celtics. Gasol added 23 points and claimed 14 rebounds, creating a physical presence on the boards that resulted in a 42-30 Los Angeles advantage.
The Lakers went on an 11-2 run late in the first half, giving them a 48-37 lead, and the Celtics were unable to respond. The Lakers had a 20-point cushion going into the final period.
Boston shot 43 percent from the field and made only 1-of-10 attempts from 3-point range. Bryant made just 10-of-22 shots, but he got to the free throw line 10 times and made all but one of those tries.
Gasol hit on 8-of-14 from the field and seized eight offensive rebounds.
There were pre-series expectations that things could get physical in a hurry and the teams did not disappoint. It took just 27 seconds for Ron Artest and Paul Pierce to be called for a double technical after they became entangled and hit the floor.
This is the 12th time the franchises have met to determine the NBA title. Boston holds the lead in those meetings 9-2. One of those victories came two years ago in six games.
Los Angeles will host Game 2 Sunday.
LOS ANGELES, (UPI) -- Kobe Bryant quickly exerted his influence Thursday and the Los Angeles Lakers opened the NBA Finals with a physical, 102-89 victory over Boston.
The Lakers relied on their superstar for offense and on Pau Gasol for a domination of the backboards in producing a convincing victory in Game 1 of the NBA's championship series.
Bryant scored 30 points, the last of them coming on a 3-pointer in the final seconds that simply added to a frustrating night for the Celtics. Gasol added 23 points and claimed 14 rebounds, creating a physical presence on the boards that resulted in a 42-30 Los Angeles advantage.
The Lakers went on an 11-2 run late in the first half, giving them a 48-37 lead, and the Celtics were unable to respond. The Lakers had a 20-point cushion going into the final period.
Boston shot 43 percent from the field and made only 1-of-10 attempts from 3-point range. Bryant made just 10-of-22 shots, but he got to the free throw line 10 times and made all but one of those tries.
Gasol hit on 8-of-14 from the field and seized eight offensive rebounds.
There were pre-series expectations that things could get physical in a hurry and the teams did not disappoint. It took just 27 seconds for Ron Artest and Paul Pierce to be called for a double technical after they became entangled and hit the floor.
This is the 12th time the franchises have met to determine the NBA title. Boston holds the lead in those meetings 9-2. One of those victories came two years ago in six games.
Los Angeles will host Game 2 Sunday.