The Celtics took Game 1 of the NBA Finals, thanks in most part to Paul Pierce, who injured his knee, came back, and led his team to victory. Pierce went down, and from the look on his face you’d think he tore ever ligament in his knee, but came back and hit two crucial threes that ultimately swung the momentum in the Celtics favor. Pierce finished with 22 points on 7-10 shooting, while also going 3-4 from beyond the arch. Kevin Garnett finished with 24 points — leading all Celtics — and 13 rebounds, and everytime he touched the ball the announcers made it a point to say, “I wish he were more selfish — he needs to take more shots.” Twenty-two shots later, the same repetitive thing never did get old to them.

Kobe Bryant was held to 24 points on 9-26 shooting, and the rest of the Lakers cast was held in check in the second half; the Lakers managed 51 points in the first half, while only able to put in 37 in the second.

The 10 point win puts Boston up a game, but also does something more: It puts $50 more in my pocket, and if you listened to me, it put some money in your pocket, as well. Look: Vegas is going to be close with this thing. The spread last night was Celtics -3, yet the Celtics haven’t won a home game by less than 4. I don’t see the spread yet for Game 2, but I’ll repeat what I said yesterday: Bet the Celtcs hard. And when Game 3 shifts back to LA, bet the Lakers even harder. We’ve got only a few NBA games left to gamble on, and then it’s only baseball. So bet it while it lasts. Game 2 is Sunday at 9:00 EST.