Boston, MA (Best E Casino) - Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol combined for nearly half of the Lakers points in the first two quarters, and Los Angeles rallied from a five-point deficit in the second to take a 51-46 lead at halftime over Boston in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Kobe Bryant, going after his fourth championship ring, was limited to eight points on 3-of-10 shooting in the first half for the Lakers. However, the cast of Fisher, with 13 points, and Gasol, with 12, helped carry LA to the lead.
The Lakers, who are in the their first NBA Finals since falling to Detroit in 2004, shot 50 percent in the first half.
Kevin Garnett had 16 points and Rajon Rondo 10 for the Celtics, who were also hurt by foul trouble from Paul Pierce as he picked up his third on a charge with 5:14 left in the half.
The chants of "Beat LA! Beat LA!" rang throughout TD Banknorth Garden even before the starting lineups were announced prior to probably the best rivalry in NBA history. The Lakers and Celtics have met 10 times in the NBA Finals, with Boston winning eight of those matchups. Incredibly, the two teams have combined for 30 of a possible 61 titles in league history.
Ray Allen had six points for the Celtics, who are 10-1 at home in this year's playoffs and are in the Finals for the first time since 1987 when they lost to the Lakers.
Boston led 40-35 following a Garnett jumper midway through the second, but the Lakers came back with an ensuing 10-2 spurt. Lamar Odom's driving layup capped the rally.
Fisher's jumper from the left side with 47.4 seconds left in the half provided the 51-46 lead.
Phil Jackson, who is tied with Boston legendary coach Red Auerbach at nine for most titles as a head coach, saw his Lakers get ahead early as Odom's jumper moved the lead to 6-2.
The Celtics used a 13-4 run later in the quarter for a 21-14 lead. Allen drilled a three-pointer from the left side and Rondo's two free throws capped the flurry.
LA responded with the next seven points, tying the game on Bryant's jumper, but P.J. Brown's bucket in the final minute moved Boston to a 23-21 lead after one quarter.
