Killahbyte

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Kobe Bryant's 30-point, seven-rebound, six- assist performance was a near afterthought to his highlight-reel third-quarter block that showcased Los Angeles' Boston-like defensive effort, as the Lakers suffocated the Celtics, 102-89, in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. 

Boston's Tony Allen was swatted near the rim by Bryant as part of a spurt that pushed Los Angeles' edge as high as 20 at the quarter's closing. 

The outcome itself is an even worse omen than the way the Lakers used the Celtics' formula to roll through the initial contest of this best-of-seven series. The Lakers are nearly unbeatable when winning Game 1 of a playoff series, holding a 59-7 mark in such scenarios. 

Even more staggering, their head coach Phil Jackson, has never lost a playoff series when his team takes Game 1, holding a mind-blowing 47-0 mark. 

Paul Pierce led Boston with 24 points, Kevin Garnett added 16 and Rajon Rondo registered 13 points and eight assists. Pierce passed Tom Heinsohn for seventh on the Celtics' all-time playoff scoring list in defeat. 

Pau Gasol added 23 points and 14 rebounds, Ron Artest chipped in with 15 points and Andrew Bynum, a question mark entering this series, not only started but was effective with 10 points and six rebounds while playing over 28 minutes. Bynum had fluid drained from his right knee earlier in the week. 

Game 2 is Sunday night back at the Staples Center, where the defending NBA champions have won 12 straight playoff games.

The 2010 NBA Finals marks the Lakers' 31st trip to the championship series and Boston's 21st appearance with 12 of those overlapping in clashes between the NBA's two storied franchises.

Trailing by 20 points entering the final quarter, Boston quickly picked up the energy scoring 10 of the first 11 points capped by a Garnett mid-range jumper and a pair of Pierce free throws for an 85-74 game.

The Lakers pushed back with a series of positive plays, culminated by an Artest block and Jordan Farmar outlet pass to a streaking Gasol for a left- handed slam and a 91-76 edge with just over six minutes to go. 

Boston never seriously threatened for the remainder of the contest