Lakers Win 100-75

The Lakers put together an impressive effort to win Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Kobe led the way with 40 points but a great all around game included contributions from Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom and Luke Walton. The Lakers played great defense. Two things in particular stuck out: They were able to run the Magic shooters off of the three point line. That was huge as Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu and the rest of the Magic shooters were not able to get going. The second great thing the Lakers did was to foul Dwight Howard. Howard only had 6 official Field Goal attempts, resulting in only one make. By fouling Howard they forced him to make free throws, which he didn't do. Howard finished 10 for 16 at the line. The Magic will shoot the ball better in the rest of the series, but if the Lakers can do these two things well all series they will be fine. Only three more wins...