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With a 2-3-2 series’ format that usually pivots on the opponent who lands the first major blow, the Celtics came out swinging from the rafters in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, putting the Lakers on the canvas for an eight count before they or their fans knew what hit them. Although it was Kevin Garnett’s night early, Paul Pierce claimed the night’s biggest honors by willing himself through a painful knee injury that, for a moment at least, sent the collective hearts of Celtics’ nation into cardiac arrest.
But when the rough get tough, the tough get going …
Pierce’s dramatic return after being carried off the court adds yet another dramatic chapter to the NBA’s most storied rivalry.
P-Double’s comeback drew immediate comparisons to Willis Reed (a real stretch if you ask us), the former New York Knicks great who once hobbled onto the court of Madison Square Garden before Game 7 of the 1970 finals against the Lakers. Some Celtics fans even chanted Reed’s name in tribute.
“I wasn’t trying to imitate him,” Pierce said. “I’m just glad I was able to get back out there.”
Kevin Garnett scored 24 points, Pierce finished with 22 — 11 after going down — and Ray Allen, the third member of Boston’s Big Three, added 19 for the Celtics, who are chasing a 17th NBA championship. The trio was making its first finals appearance, and for a short time it appeared only two of them would finish their long-awaited debut.
For the Lakers, much has been ado’d (we like making up words) regarding Kobe Bryant’s desire to win his first title without Shaquille O’Neal. Some of that may be present, but that’s something Kobe will think about if, and when, the moment ever arrives. Like the comparisons drawn between this year’s finals and the last Celtics/Lakers finals in ‘87, it’s just hype. Kobe said during an interview in the last Lakers/Spurs game that he wasn’t thinking about that. I believe him. Right now, it’s all about the title, and whatever ramifications or satisfactions that spin off of that will be a bonus. I’m quite sure neither Kobe nor Phil Jackson are thinking much about the old days right now.
Bryant led the Lakers with 24 points, but the regular-season MVP was just 9-of-26 from the field as the league’s top defensive team kept close tabs on him. Bryant, attempting to win a fourth NBA title — had numerous shots rattle out and spent most of his 42 minutes in the game searching for a rhythm.
“I had some good looks, they just didn’t go down for me,” Bryant said. “I just missed some bunnies. I’ll be thinking about those a little bit.”
You bet he will …
Unable to find his shooting touch in the first half, Bryant decided to focus on his defense. After 16-year veteran Sam Cassell came off Boston’s bench to score six big points at the start of the second quarter, Lakers coach Phil Jackson switched Bryant onto the 38-year-old with the aching back and one of the few Celtics who knows his way around the finals.
And although his superstar wasn’t doing his usual thing, Jackson’s Lakers stayed close. When Pierce had to sit down after picking up his third foul with 5:14 left, Los Angeles went on a 14-6 run, with Gasol and Odom scoring four points apiece to open a 51-46 halftime lead.
But that was only the first half …
With the TD Banknorth Garden crowd breaking into their familiar “Beat L.A.” chants from the outset, the Celtics led 77-73 after three quarters and quickly pushed their lead to eight in the fourth following a 3-pointer by James Posey. Fisher and Sasha Vujacic scored to get the Lakers within 86-82, but Pierce countered with a jumper and made two free throws to put Boston up 90-82.
So, for one night at least, we were taken back — back to the Celtics/Lakers heyday of the ‘60s or the ‘80s.
And for at least one game, we were treated to an exhibition of why basketball can be the greatest game in the world at times. The officiating was stellar, and we saw a great game start to finish. Maybe not outstanding individual performances, but in a venue such as this, it’s too convenient to focus on what one player did or didn’t do. These are two evenly matched teams, and it is, after all, a team game. Each contribution, however minor it may seem at the time, goes toward the ultimate goal. Come to think of it, there was very little complaining from the players and coaches as well, which makes me realize just how pleasant it is not to be watching Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, Bruce Bowen, and Gregg Popovich in the finals.
Sorry Spurs fans …
But the officials let them play, and the game was perhaps one of the best we’ve seen in some time from the whistle blowers.
Point guard play may have synopsized the game. Between Derek Fisher, Rajon Rondo, and Sam Cassell, it was a sight to behold, with the advantage going back and forth, and any advantage gained being short-lived. In the end, Rondo and Cassell clearly out punched Fisher, so look for Jordan Farmar to steal a few of Fisher’s minutes throughout the rest of the series.
Surprisingly, Lamar Odom played in his element, picking his spots on offense, and playing solidly on the other end. Kobe Bryant on the other hand, did not. He forced shots all night long, starting 1-7 from the field, getting few clean looks at the rim. Despite finishing with 24 points, Bryant had few spurts where he was a factor, doing little to improve his team’s chances of winning.
So put the comparisons to Michael Jordan on hold for now …
Still, when it comes to Kobe, there’s always Game 2.
But the Lakers have their work cut out. Conversely, the Celtics had numerous open looks, and regardless of the shooting percentage, that proved to be the difference. And so was the point guard play of Rondo and Cassell, who hit just enough shots to buffer the C’s big win.
Pau Gasol, however, must follow the game plan plotted by Kevin Garnett, as KG clearly looked ready for ring-sizing whereas Gasol did not. Pau, who at times looked like he was back with some of his awful Memphis Grizzlies teams, played tentative throughout. However, if the Lakers are to win this series he had better get back to championship-caliber, and soon. When Kobe’s not the answer, and the offense becomes stagnant, it’s up to Gasol to force the action on the interior –something he did not appear ready to do on Thursday night.
Nevertheless, Game 1 more than lived up to the hype as both teams challenged every shot, dove for loose balls, and defended the paint. To be sure, Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Jerry West et al were done proud.
Game 2 will be played in Boston on Sunday at 9:00 PM ET …
WOMEN’S SOFTBALL
Kudos to Clint Myers and his ASU Sun Devil women’s softball team, who just won the first national title in school history. Myers is a former Sun Devil baseball player who coached the Central Arizona College softball team to six national titles, including five in a row. He then took over the baseball program at CAC, and won another national title in ‘02. In each of Myers’ three years at ASU, his softball team has advanced to the Women’s College World Series, and won the first title in school history on Tuesday night. And with each step they took in advancement, the celebration was subdued, as if the players knew they weren’t done yet. Even after the ultimate victory, Myers remained reserved, allowing his players to soak up the moment as their own. Outstanding moment in sports. Also, huge props to ESPN for outstanding coverage of the tournament.
Here’s hoping Pat Murphy’s men’s baseball team can make it a diamond double, like Connecticut did on the court in 2003 with their basketball teams.
Story reference: Associated Press
Photos:
KG-Kobe: Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Allen-KG: Jim Rogash/Getty Images
Pierce: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images
ASU-Women: AP/Alonzo Adams
Profiles/Teases are done for the season
LOTL Postseason Edition posts Monday & Friday mornings.
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Anybody hear Dan Patrick accuse P-double of faking? Laughable.
Left by Lefty on June 6th, 2008