Celtics Gain First Blood Against the Lakers Print E-mail
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Written by Darren Odellot   
Friday, 06 June 2008
Celtics Gain First Blood Against the Lakers


Boston's Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen can now add a new achievement to their illustrious careers: winning their very first NBA Finals game 98-88. All three have never even reached the NBA Finals - not even once. But now, after beating the Los Angeles Lakers in Game One, they are only three wins away from getting their first championship ring. There have been doubters and naysayers about their chemistry. Proving them all wrong, they have beaten the league's current MVP: the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant. Now, they need to do it three more times, which is not an easy thing to do.

Kevin Garnett was the main man for the Celtics as he scored 24 points to go along with 13 rebounds. He managed to drop 9 shots out of 22 attempts while remaining seamless at the free throw line, scoring 6 out of 6. He had great support from the Celtics' leader Paul Pierce who had 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. The other member of the Big Three, Ray Allen, had 19 points. He also had 8 rebounds and 1 blocked shot. The Celtics had good support from their role players. Leading the way was starting point guard Rajon Rondo who had 15 points and 7 assists. He also had 5 rebounds to help the team.
 
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers counted on Kobe Bryant to keep them close within the game. The league superstar scored a total of 24 points while dishing out 6 assists. However, he had a dismal game, managing to drop only 9 shots out of 26. He was also scoreless from the three point range. The Lakers' other superstar Pau Gasol was not as dominant as in the earlier series. The Spanish big man scored a mediocre 15 points with only 8 rebounds. Providing offensive help was Derek Fisher who had 15 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. Their bench help was almost non-existent as the leading scorer for their second unit was Sasha Vujacic with only 8 points.
 
Counting on the rivalry that started in the 1980s, the first game of the Celtics - Lakers match was filled with suspense and drama. Paul Pierce was out for some time in the game as he injured his leg. Yet, he managed to come back and score crucial baskets in the third quarter. By the fourth, it was Garnett's time to shine. He took over the game and out-hustled Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom in the middle. The Big Ticket was effective offensively and defensively. Opponents were afraid to enter the middle as Garnett closed out screens and helped out on pick and rolls designed by Lakers' coach Phil Jackson.
 
Game Two will definitely be a thriller as Kobe and the Lakers try to bounce back from their 10 point defeat. Boston will continue to press their defense against LA's offensive unit but the Lakers will make adjustments. This is a good series to watch, even for non-basketball fans. The time is closing in for the Big Three and they are ready to cash in on the rewards.



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written by mikef85205 , June 08, 2008
BOSTON! GO BOSTON!
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