Green means stop

The Boston Celtics were physical and resolute.

The Lakers were not.

The result became predictable, a 98-88 Celtics victory in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

The Lakers were outrebounded, outhustled and outdone on the plot lines, Paul Pierce's return from what looked like a serious knee injury carrying the night Thursday at TD Banknorth Garden.

The Lakers didn't lose a Game 1 while cruising through the Western Conference, but this was different, in case the hauntingly familiar "Beat L.A." chants and loud green-clad crowd didn't drive home the distinction.

Kobe Bryant had a dreadful shooting night, making only nine of 26 shots on the way to a quiet 24 points, with little help from teammates.

The Celtics hammered the Lakers on the boards, 46-33, and held the top-shooting team in the playoffs to only 41.6% shooting. They were held to 15 points in the fourth quarter as the game got away.

The good news for the Lakers could be found only in the near future. Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Sunday.

"They played a lot more physical than we did," Bryant said. "It's a good experience for us."

The Lakers hadn't played since booting San Antonio seven days earlier, and it showed. They looked tentative and inactive in a second half in which they were outscored, 52-37.

Bryant experienced his worst shooting night since going an equally awkward nine for 26 in Game 1 of the first round against Denver. That night, he was able to get to the line, making 13 of 14 free throws. On Thursday, he took only six free throws, his familiar drives down the lane cut off by a slew of double teams and a daunting defense.

His mid-range jumper wasn't falling, compounding the issue. He certainly wasn't thrilled with his effort.

"I had some great looks. They just didn't stay down for me," he said. "It was just pile it in with the other bad shooting games I've had and flush it and come back in Game 2. Hopefully I get the same looks."

After being important pieces of the Lakers' romp through the West, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom were minimally effective against the Celtics. Gasol had 15 points and eight rebounds, Odom had 14 points and six rebounds.

Neither seemed to be able to stand up to the bruising front line of the Celtics.