Knowing that their opponent is a physical team, the Lakers one-upped the Celtics by playing more aggressively; constantly challenging every Boston possession and in attack mode on the offensive end the whole night.

It was a game that featured a total of 54 fouls; three of them technical fouls with two coming in the first 27 seconds when Ron Artest and Paul Pierce got tangled up under the basket and took each other down to the floor. They were separated and then given technicals.

After 48 minutes, Los Angeles showed how tough it can be by drawing first blood in the 2010 NBA Finals, 102-89.

Kobe Bryant had a game-high 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists while limiting Rajon Rondo to only 13 points on 6-of-14 shooting and totally ignoring Chris Rock.

Pau Gasol added 23 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Ron Artest might have chipped in 15 points but he provided the play of the night that sapped the energy out of the Celtics.

Artest blocked a Glen Davis shot which led to a Gasol dunk. That effectively stopped the 10-1 run by the Celtics in the 4th quarter

Paul Pierce led his team with 24 points helped by going 12-of-13 from the free-throw line.

Check out the Game 1 recap video below:

NOTE: Phil Jackson’s teams (Chicago Bulls and LA Lakers) haven’t lost a series after winning Game 1; a perfect 47-0.

The 2010 LA Lakers is a perfect 9-0 at home this 2010 NBA Playoffs.

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Watch the 2010 NBA Finals online and don’t miss Game 2 of the Lakers vs Celtics LIVE stream on Sunday, June 6 at 8 PM.

Check out the full 2010 NBA Finals schedule to make sure you don’t miss the games.

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Tags: 2010 NBA finals, boston celtics, kobe bryant, la lakers