Imagine yourself drowning, the water suffocating you as it enters your lungs.

Maybe that’s a little dramatic, but we’d like to imagine that’s how the Celtics were feeling during the 102-89 loss in game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Keep reading for the play-by-play.

Phil Jackson should get an award for the defensive scheme he concocted prior to game 1. Every time Boston touched the ball there was pressure. Pressure to get the ball somewhere else; problem was the LAKERS were EVERYWHERE.

Ron Artest set the tone early with smart physical defense on Paul Pierce. The Lakers fed off of his intensity to jump out to a 9 point lead by half, and a 20 point lead after a HUGE 3rd quarter. They never looked back.

One of my keys to this series was the play of Pau Gasol vs. Kevin Garnett. Gasol’s scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds on his way to making Kevin Garnett submit. Nuff said!

Last but not least, our fearless leader, Kobe Bryant scored a modest 30 points on 10 of -22 shooting.

Game 2 is Sunday at 5PM PST in Los Angeles.

Bear Heiser is a freelance sports writer and manages the blog @bearconsults