Lakers 102, Celtics 89

There were three significant statistics from Game 1 of the NBA Finals tonight at Staples Center. First, the Lakers outrebounded the Boston Celtics, 42-31. Second, they outscored the Celtics in the paint, 48-30. Third, they had 16 second-chance points to zero for Boston. It added up to a comprehensive victory and a 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series. Game 2 is Sunday night at Staples Center. If those numbers don’t change significantly, then you can bet the Lakers will be holding a 2-0 lead heading to Boston for Games 3, 4 and 5.