Who says Boston is the only one capable of dishing what their opponents specialty? Golden State answered the Celtics’ offensive Game One brilliance by limiting them to just 14 points in the third.
The brilliant defensive stance led to a 107-88 victory and even the 2022 NBA Finals series a 1-1.
Just like in Game 1, the Warriors offense exploded with a big third quarter but the bigger part was their defense did the bigger damage.
It may not equal the record-setting fourth quarter of Boston in Game 1 but finishing the third with the Celtics still hungry while pouring in 35 resulted to an equally impressive 21-point margin.
This broke the back of their rivals as unlike Game 1, the Celtics could not comeback in the final quarter.
After a tight 52-50 first half, the Warriors were their usual selves offensively. Stephen Curry led the charge with 14 points, including three triples.
However, what was most striking was the Warriors’ defense in limiting the Celtics the rest of the way.
They scored six unanswered points to start the fourth and force the Celtics to wave the surrender flag and emptied their bench.
For the first time, the Warriors delt the Celtics a defeat inside their new building. Boston entered the night 4-0 in the Warriors’ 3-year-old home. They were the only team were undefeated in their first four games in the arena.
This series is turning to be one big fight between two heavyweights with contrasting styles.
The Celtics were their usual selves in defense while the Warriors offense was as steady as it could be. The 107.5 points a game scored by the Warriors is about what both teams want it to be.
This now a battle of who can do what they are not comfortable doing. The Warriors have to limit their opponent’s score below a 100 while the Celtics have to score above 100.
Whoever does their task better will win the series.
By Armando M. Bolislis