"Kobe and the Lakers focused in Game 1" by Ronald Carthen

I knew the Lakers would win this series but I didn't think they were going to make it look this easy and defeat the Celtics 102-89. Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were more physical on defense, never thought I would say that, and they made fastbreak and second chance points look so easy. Can you believe the Lakers outscored the Celtics 16-0 in second chance points and 48-30 in the paint? I couldn't believe it either. Kobe was so determined to win this game, he ignored Chris Rock while he was telling jokes as he was sitting on the bench. Where was Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen did they even show up. Take a look at what I learned from Game 1 of this contest.

Kobe Bryant's Revenge has begun in the Finals!!!!!

Kobe Bryant was ready to get his revenge on the Celtics for ruining his 2008 season. Kobe dropped 30 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. He has now scored 30 or more points in 12 out of 17 playoff games this season. He shut down Rajon Rondo, who finished with only 13 points and eight assists, and had a huge block on Tony Allen's dunk attempt. He played a big role on the Lakers going on an 11-2 run to give the Lakers an 84-64 lead heading to the fourth quarter. He and Paul Gasol combined for 53 points while the Celtics starters combined for 73 points. I've never seen Kobe look so determine to defeat an opponent then I can remember in his 13-year career. He's probably sitting at home like an evil genius watching game film of what could be done to get better and defeat the Celtics. This will be no different in Game 2 and you can expect him to continue to guide his team with the same intensity as they did in Game 1.

Pau Gasol dominates Kevin Garnett, what a difference two years makes!!!!

Pau Gasol learned a lot from the 2008 NBA Finals and made Kevin Garnett look very soft in Game 1 of this series. Gasol drop 23 points and 14 rebounds while KG couldn't get it going at all in this game. It was so easy for Gasol to score in the paint and he looked more aggresive then KG, never thought I would say that. With Paul Pierce struggling to get baskets and Ray Allen in foul trouble, it was difficult to ask for KG to take over a game. KG scored only 16 points on 7-for-16 shooting in 34 minutes of the game. He even missed an open layup with 5:30 left to go in the game. Not to mention he let Jordan Farmer come in the lane to get an easy layup, come on KG!!!! Gasol just looked more comfortable on the floor, especially when he sprint down court to catch a long pass for a dunk with 6:21 left to play. I've told everyone that KG doesn't look like himself and this series will continue to prove it.

Paul Pierce was shut down by Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant!!!!!

Paul Pierce doesn't do a great job against good defenders. Pierce scored 24 points on only 6-for-13 shooting. He needs to figure out how he can get some more shots in this series. Ron Artest, who finished with 15 points, set the tone for this game when he and Pierce tangled with each other and both went to the ground in the first couple of minutes of the game. Pierce only scored 11 points and 5-for-8 shooting on Artest and scored only 8 points on 0-for-2 shooting on Kobe. Pierce was able to draw seven fouls against both Artest and Kobe. He'll continue to act like he was fouled and get to the free throw line every chance he gets. If Pierce can get at least 20-25 shots a game, the Celtics could come back in this series.

Ray Allen's foul trouble hurt the Celtics!!!!!

The Celtics fininshed with 28 personal fouls but I never thought I would see the day that Ray Allen would have five fouls in a basketball game. I know it's tough to guard Kobe but man you have to question some of those fouls that were called. On his fifth personal foul, Kobe shot a jumper and barely hits Allen's hand. Allen was frustrated throughout the night and he should. He only played 27 minutes and drop only 12 points on 3-of-8 shooting. If they think Pierce will help out Allen defendig Kobe will help they are insane. You can't stop Kobe I've told you that time and time again.

Andrew Bynum played a big role on an injured knee!!!!! 

Andrew Bynum didn't play in the 2008 NBA Finals, but he made a huge difference in this game. You mean to tell me that Kendrick Perkins couldn't stop an injured Bynum. He was there when the Lakers were moving the ball in transition and when the Lakers were showing great ball movement. Bynum finished with 10 points and six rebounds in 28 minutes with a tear meniscus in his knee. As long as he continues to show he can move on his injured knee, the Lakers won't be stopped.