How they fared in Game 1

Kobe Bryant continues to be the best player in the game. He opened up the Finals with 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists. After being humiliated in the 2008 finals against Boston, Pau Gasol dominated his opponent, notching 23 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Ron Artest has found some of his old scoring touch. He hit several back-breaking shots to snuff Celtic rallies in game one and finished with 15 points. Paul Pierce is the vital cog in the Celtics offense. He led the way with 24 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Nate Robinson, the bench player who lifted the Celtics to victory in Game Six against Orlando, continues to provide a spark. As a team, the Lakers outrebounded the Celtics 42-31 and eliminated Rajon Rondo's ability to initiate counter-attacks in transition. The referees did not let much go in game one, using their whistles at every opportunity. Ray Allen, the Celtics sharpshooter, accumulated five fouls, spending most of the game on the bench.

Kevin Garnett had 16 points and a paltry four rebounds. He could not defend Gasol either. As a team, the Celtics were lethargic. They could not stop the Lakers' offense, nor could they generate much offense of their own. Of note, the Celtics shot 10 per cent from three-point land.