The Celtics Rally back from 15 to Steal Game 1 Vs. the Warriors

Both teams started the game slowly, with the Boston Celtics lapsing on defense, not communicating their switches which in return allowed open shots for the Warriors.

Stephen Curry led Golden State with four three-pointers, and the team moved the ball well to find the open man.

Boston lacked an attack to the basket and conceded to shoot contested shots on the permitter.

In transition, the Warriors took advantage of the lack of hustle to get back on defense by the Celtics for fast-break points.

• Curry scored 21 points (6 three-pointers)

Golden State led the first quarter 32–28.

The Warriors incredible off-ball movement proceeded to cause problems for Boston, allowing players to get loose for open shots.

Golden State went on an 8–0 run caused by the team’s excellent three-point shooting, but Boston’s 10–0 run countered the Warriors to tie the game at 47.

Boston turnaround included adjustments on defense and a mix of attacks in the paint.

• Curry 0 points in the second quarter due to foul trouble (3)
• Otto Porter Jr. three 3 had three three-pointers, 9 points
• Tatum — 7 assists and 0 turnovers
• Brown — 12 points and 5 rebounds

Boston led the first half 56–54.

Golden State opened the third quarter with contained success at the three-point line and limiting the Celtics to tough contested shots, enabling the Warriors to take the lead back.

The Warriors beat the Celtics in all categories in the quarter, encompassing their surge of energy out of halftime to make all of the hustle plays to build and extend their lead.

Golden State led the third quarter 92–80.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics on a 9–0 run to cut the lead to 5 points. He attacked the basket and took his attempts with confidence.

Boston continued the run to 26–11 after catching fire, sinking 6/6 three-point field goals and stops on the defensive end to regain the lead.

• Horford scored 11 points in the 4th
• Brown scored 10 points in the 4th

The Celtics extended their lead to close the game 19–5.

Boston won the game 120–108.

My Take:

The Warriors came out on fire, led by Curry, but Boston looked nervous at the beginning of the game as the team got their first look at the finals. The Celtics started tentatively until they came into their own in the second quarter when they began to attack the basket.

Golden States’ defense was excellent for the first three-quarters of the game, forcing Boston to turn the ball over and shoot contested threes.

With a sizable lead, the Warriors took their foot off the pedal and allowed Boston to rally back from a 15-point deficit; they caught fire from the three, hitting nine in the fourth quarter for a 27-point turnaround.

Jayson Tatum went 20 minutes without a field goal and shot 3/17 for 12 points, his great playmaking (13 assists) combined with the team’s group effort made up for his poor shooting.

Game Leaders:

Al Horford went 9–12 with a career-high 6 made three-pointers for 26 points in his first finals appearance.

Jaylen Brown scored 24 points with 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 4 turnovers.

Derrick White added 21 points with 5 threes off the bench.

Stephen Curry finished with 34 points (7 threes), 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

Andrew Wiggins scored 20 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 3 blocks.

Klay Thompson racked up 15 points with three 3-pointers.

Stat Differentials:

Shooting — BOS 43–85 50% GSW 39–88 44% 3PT — BOS 21–41 51%, GSW 19–45 42%

Assists — BOS 33 GSW 24

Originally published at https://basketballadmirer.com on June 3, 2022.