There's no other sports venue capable of filling an arena with celebrities like the Lakers' Staples Center. Jack Nicholson, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade all were in attendance for Game One. The list goes on and on, and those names were just tonight. Maybe it has something to do with the arena being located in the center of Hollywood-land, but when is the last time you watched a Clipper game and thought: "I know that guy. What movie was he in?" That's right. Never.
Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, and company are on another title run. I want to begin this by saying that Pau Gasol is not the best big man in the NBA, although he is damn good. The announcers were handing Gasol the title of "best big man in the game" like he was the new Shaq. He's one of the best, but c'mon, really? Gasol did come through with an amazing performance, and his dominance in the paint threw away any implications that he is a push-over down low. Gasol finished with 23 points, 14 boards, and three blocks.
Bryant was dominant once again. The camera crew showed Bryant sitting beside Chris Rock at one point during the game, and Rock, one of the greatest comedians out there, looked like he was laughing and talking to Bryant, but Bryant ignored him, sitting there stone-faced. Kobe was completely focused on the game. That speaks volumes as to why the Lakers are where they are, and why Kobe is one of the best in the league. I'll end the gushing over Kobe by saying Kobe was phenomenal, finishing with 30 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Boston could not get anything going against a stingy Lakers' defense. When Rajon Rondo is settling for pull-up shots and fade-aways something's not right. Paul Pierce did well with 24 points, while Kevin Garnett had 16, but both came and went quietly. Garnett was shut down by Gasol, and Pierce could not dislodge Artest and find an open look.
The Lakers bench may finally be coming alive. Besides Luke Walton. Maybe that was cold, but still, Shannon Brown played well in his limited minutes along with Farmar, who gave a spark both offensively and defensively. Andrew Bynum did not look to be too impaired by the knee, and performed well against the Celtics' bigs in his 28 minutes.
Game two will be crucial for the Celtics as they can not afford to forfeit both games going back home. Remember, Boston is not a good team on the road. We'll see what happens on Sunday.
Follow Chase on Twitter @ yutz18
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