N.B.A. Finals

Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images Kevin Garnett of the Celtics shooting over Pau Gasol of the Lakers during the first quarter.

After the Lakers’ strong showing in a victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the N.B.A. finals, Pau Gasol described Kevin Garnett’s game as having “lost some of his explosiveness” and said Garnett was more of a “jump shooter” after a knee injury and two years since the team’s last played in the finals.
Garnett needed little added incentive. But however honest and innocent Gasol’s words were, they will be used as motivation in Game 2 as the Celtics try to even the finals before the series shifts to Boston.
This is Boston’s Catch-22. When they play well, it is because they are experienced. When they falter, it is because they are old. Which way they — and particularly Garnett — play tonight will be a large indicator of how the rest of the series will evolve.
As you follow along with us, here are some other plots to watch for:
Can Boston’s Ray Allen stay on the court? The Celtics need him to guard Kobe Bryant, but they need his offense even more. In Game 1, Allen never got into a rhythm after he picked up two quick fouls. He played only 27 minutes and finished with 12 points.
Whose bench will win out? The Lakers’ bench did not have much of an impact in Game 1 and Lamar Odom also had foul trouble. Boston’s bench of Rasheed Wallace, Nate Robinson, Tony Allen and Glen Davis needs have more of a positive impact in Game 2 and play better than the Lakers’ bench, which can either disappear or play splendidly on a nightly basis.
The power numbers. Before Game 1, Celtics Coach Doc Rivers told his players that if they outrebounded the Lakers, they would win. The Celtics lost on the backboard and the scoreboard by large numbers. Boston was also outscored in second-chance points, 16-0.
Can Kobe Bryant get open? Two years ago, Bryant couldn’t get anywhere without being flanked by Celtics defenders. In Game 1, Bryant got to his sweet spots with ease and picked apart the Celtics. Boston will have to adjust. Look for Bryant to be double-teamed early in Lakers’ possessions.
Can Rajon Rondo get going? Bryant is credited with playing him well defensively, although without anyone other than Paul Pierce shooting well for Boston, Rondo is not nearly as effective. If he can get into the lane, it will open up opportunities for other Celtics.

http://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/06/live-analysis-of-game-2-of-the-n-b-a-finals/