Pau Gasol was looking like a Sleestack again tonight, and that's a good thing for Laker nation. (Getty Images)

Initial thoughts from the Los Angeles Lakers’ 102-89 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday:

• The only bad news out of L.A. tonight: UCLA’s John Wooden, 99, in “grave” condition.
• This is exactly why the Lakers brought in Ron Artest. Getting physical with 2008 NBA Finals MVP Paul Pierce from the opening tip. Pierce had 24 points, but 11 of those came in the fourth when the game was out of hand. Ron-Ron also hit 3 of 5 treys for 15 points as a bonus. R.Artest = Rodman (during the Bulls years).
• Home court will prove to be the difference in this one, even if it doesn’t go seven games. Getting this first win sets the tone for the series and lets them know they can be a physical, defensive team too.
• Surprised anyone got to 100 points tonight in this defensive, physical struggle –28 fouls and 27 free throws in the first half.
• Good to see Kevin Garnett looking like K.G. again. But at times, it looked like K.G. was playing by himself out there.
• All of the hype about Kobe Bryant guarding Rajan Rondo? Yeah, seemed like he was guarding Ray Allen a lot tonight. Not sure what the “experts” were talking about.
• I’m not sure Rondo can slice and dice the Lakers, especially in the post with Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom helping out, like he did the Cavs and Magic.
• And why didn’t the media make a bigger deal about who’s going to guard Kobe? He is the best player in the league right now (another 30-point game tonight). And the Allens don’t have the length to guard him. The Celtics better get Pierce or someone bigger on Kobe, or he’s going to go nuts every game. And if you double him, Gasol is going to go even nuttier.
• Get Scalabrine some PT.
• Bynum gave the Lakers 28 minutes tonight. He also had 10 points and six boards, not bad for a guy who was reportedly done.
• Officials for this one? Joe Crawford , Derrick Stafford , Joe Derosa. Really? Yo David Stern, why not invite Jim Joyce out here while you’re at it?
• In an non-NBA Finals note, WCBias.com is up to #575,682 in the rankings. Up from a mill a few months ago. Creepin’ on ah come up yo!