Final Score: Lakers 102, Celtics 89

For the days leading up to the 2010 NBA Finals, the Lakers were reminded plenty of times about how they were physically manhandled by the Celtics the last time these two teams met in the Finals.

It appears that L.A. got the message.

The Lakers dominated the Celtics in Game 1 of the NBA Finals both physically and skillfully, taking the game 102-89 and feeling very confident about their game. Unlike in 2008, when the Celtics were the superior team physically, defensively, and on the boards, the Lakers won all the strength battles in this one.

Los Angeles had a 42-31 rebounding advantage, had more combined blocks and steals (12-9) than the Celtics, and had a huge 16-0 advantage in second-chance points. Hustle plays, loose balls, 50/50 opportunities; they all went the Lakers’ way in this one.

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol were also the two best players on the floor.

In my preview article, I pointed to 3 Laker keys to a series victory:

1. Gasol needed to be dominant over Kevin Garnett.
2. Bryant needed to have a MVP-type series and be amazing.
3. Shut down Rondo/Allen, because Pierce will get his.

I’m no genius, as those were just pretty obvious points of emphasis. But in Game 1, the Lakers focused on those 3 things, executed them perfectly, and came out with an easy win.

Gasol owned Garnett in their matchup. Pau went for 23 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks. Garnett had 16 and 4. Gasol had 8 offensive rebounds, and got tons of easy buckets inside. There was no doubt about it; Gasol owned Garnett.

Bryant was spectacular, yet again. There is no stopping Kobe in this postseason. He had 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. He’s truly playing at an MVP level and there’s not much of a point in trying to shut down Bryant. The focus needs to be on containing his penetration and contesting everything to make him hit tough shots. And he will hit tough shots, but at least make him uncomfortable to a degree.

And finally, the Lakers shut down Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo. I noted that Garnett is the 4th option on this team now, and Paul Pierce is one of those guys that’s going to get his no matter how you focus on him. And indeed, Pierce went for 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. But the Celtics lost badly. Why? Because Ray Allen never got going, scoring only 12 points in 27 minutes, and Rajon Rondo was not able to impose his will on the game. As long as L.A. continues to focus on containing those two guys, then the Lakers will have the advantage.

The Lakers executed perfectly in all of their key matchups, and Boston showed little resistance. The Celtics need to get back to their physical game, which was lacking in Game 1.

If Rondo and Allen don’t spark the team, and the Celtics don’t dominate physically, then Boston has no shot to win this series. Look for adjustments to be made with a 2-day layoff before Game 2.

Phil Jackson is 47-0 all-time in series when he wins Game 1. Boston’s hoping to regroup in Game 2 and tell themselves that there’s a first time for everything.