Great win for the Celtics. The most encouraging aspect was the fact that everyone chipped in and contributed. And outside of leaving Sam "ball stopper" Cassell in too long during the second half, I thought Doc Rivers substituted well.

Mike Breen made an excellent point at the end of the broadcast. It will be interesting to see how Paul Pierce's knee is tomorrow. That could be key. It's also one of those times where 2 days off help. Speaking of Pierce. His 22 points were the definition of efficient.

Rajon Rondo still struggled a bit from the floor (4-10), but Celtics fans have to be happy with the overall results - 15 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

That was one of the best all around games that Ray Allen has played in quite some time. He had 8 rebounds one other time all season - March 5th against Detroit.

I was impressed with the pace the Lakers' subs created the first time they were in the game. But it never really materialized after that.

The Celtics were definitely allowed to play physical against Kobe Bryant in the 4th quarter. I can't imagine that will be the case throughout the series.

Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom were excellent initially and quiet down the stretch.

As Jeff Van Gundy rightly pointed out, Boston's pick and roll defense was downright bad in the first happen. That can't continue to happen. 

Kevin Garnett. It's too bad he went cold toward the end because otherwise he played phenomenally well. And that put back dunk in crunch time was epic.

Given their play in the playoffs to this point, the negativity of Boston, the 2-3-2 format and the 2 off days this was a huge game for Boston. Yet in the grand scheme of things it is just one game. This could be a special Finals.