SAN FRANCISCO – The result was a match of two heavyweights in the first round. Golden State Warriors Boston Celtics Opening the 2022 NBA Finals was the Celtics with a 120 to 108 comeback win.
The Celtics won the first game with a thrilling 17-0 run during the fourth quarter. It was the second-largest spurt at the end of a Finals match in 50 seasons.
The NBA Finals Game 1 contest on Thursday night was less about surprise tactics and more about two elite teams throwing everything at their opponents. To test the Celtics’ defensive accuracy, the Warriors displayed their sophisticated offense with its constant motion and smart off-ball play. The Celtics practiced their drive-and-kick game and waited for favorable matchups. Both teams employed their defensive switch-heavy tactics, with the Warriors occasionally covering zone coverage.
The Celtics overcame a 15 point second-half deficit with a dramatic fourth-quarter rebound. Boston unleashed a devastating offensive from beyond the arc within a matter of minutes. In seven minutes, six 3-pointers were made by Boston, many of which were highly contested. The Celtics had erased the deficit of 12 points at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Warriors were unable to keep up with the Celtics’ pace on the court. In the final tally, the Celtics outscored the Warriors 40-16 in the final frame, converting 9-for-12 field goals from deep, the most recorded by any team in the fourth quarter in Finals history, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
The Warriors’ defensive strategy was centered on the All-NBA Forward team, even though they were a first-team All NBA forward. Jayson TatumIt was coworkers Jaylen Brown, Al Horford Derrick White During the Celtics’ soaring late run, they provided the spark plug. Each player scored at least 20 points — Marcus Smart He added 18 more, including four 3-pointers, to his total of 18, surpassing Tatum’s 3 for 17 performance. Horford’s six 3-pointers were the best of any of his games, playoffs or regular season, and it is hard to believe that this was possible. White, a midseason acquisition that catalyzed the Celtics’ ability to play small and with great spacing, has been a tremendous catalyst for them. Brown, who is so opportunistic with the flow of offense, has not slowed down in his aggressive play.
While the Celtics may not have the elegant offense of the Warriors, they are known for their ability to score from long distance. Boston had attempted 45.5% their 3-point field goals coming into the Finals — the highest percentage of any team. Dallas Mavericks The postseason saw me try to get a higher percentage.
These two most powerful defenses in the NBA couldn’t contain the offensive explosion at Chase Center in the opening half. While the Celtics were strong defensively in the postseason and regular season, they failed to recognize the most critical imperative: Find Stephen Curry Keep your commitments strong and start early
Curry, seeking his first Finals MVP title, attempted six 3-pointers. Four of these were uncontested. Curry scored 21 points in his first quarter. This was the highest number of Finals quarters, most by any player and fourth most overall in any NBA Finals quarter. Only Michael Jordan and Isiah have scored more. Curry’s 34-point total was ultimately lost by the Warriors.
They proved their offensive ability to punish the Warriors’ defense on the right night by reaching their first Finals since 2010. Boston could combine a fraction of its offensive show in Game 1 and their signature defense on three other occasions to have the chance to end their nine-year-old rebuilding process that began after their Big Three era.