2010 NBA Finals: Boston Celtics Struggle, Los Angeles Lakers Take Game One

The 2010 NBA Finals might be the most evenly matched finals in recent memory. The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers are the top of the line when it comes to the NBA. Whoever will win this series, they'll do it by out-willing their opponent. And, that's what the Lakers did tonight, out-will the Celtics. 

I don't care what the final scoreboard says, or what stats you look at it, there's nothing more to it than the Lakers won. The Lakers beat the Celtics—that's how it went. The Lakers showed up with more heart, and they came out on the top. That's how this series is going to go. 

I'm anticipating that Boston will come out with a bit more fire in their hearts in game two—if not, they're going to be in a big hole. 

I don't believe in analyzing the results of game one, there's no point. These two teams are the best two champions of the NBA. They're playoff teams, and they know how to win. 

The only adjustment that I'd recommend Boston's Head Coach, Doc Rivers, doing is getting Paul Pierce involved much earlier. 

Also, if you start running the offense through the hands of Paul Pierce, it will force Ron Artest to stop ball penetration. Forcing Artest into that defense might lead him into early foul trouble. 

This also opens up the door to Rondo being able to "roam" around the court and force Kobe Byrant to follow Rondo more. Everyone knows how good Rondo is at blending into the defense and finding seams and holes in it—if he does that, it will put more pressure on Bryant. 

But honestly though, it is what it is. Boston lost game one, Los Angeles won game one. That's how it went.

Everyone needs to stop bringing up 2008—this is a completely different series. It's 2010, not 2008. 

The Celtics need to come out "flying" in game two. They need to out-will the Lakers, and by doing that, it will result in more rebounds, more loose balls, and more free throws. 

This NBA Finals will be a long one.