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Warriors third-quarter onslaughts has his absurd levels

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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There haven’t been many consistent things for the Golden State Warriors throughout the first two games of the NBA Finals.

Their typically-dominant three-point shooting hasn’t been as impressive as usual through both performances, having struggled to close Game 1, scoring just 16 points in the final period, yet thriving from behind the arc in Game 2.

The Golden State Warriors have been able to win one of two NBA Finals games, and their third-quarter dominance has been a key in both battles.

That said, a multi-game explosion from two-time MVP Stephen Curry has been one of them. He’s been incredible and is well on the way to his first Finals MVP if the Warriors are able to win the series.

Klay Thompson’s struggles have also been consistent. One other consistent feat for the Warriors has been their absolute dominance in the third quarter. In Game 1, Golden State entered halftime facing a two-point deficit.

That didn’t last long as the Warriors won the third quarter by 14 points, taking a 12-point lead into the final period. We all probably know what happened next — the Celtics outscored the Warriors 40-16 and won Game 1 by 12 points, 120-108.

The Warriors against entered halftime in a heated battle in Game 2, having not created much separation.

They were up 2, winning both quarters by 1, 31-30 and 21-20. The third quarter was just an entirely different team. They spread the Celtics out, and Curry decided it was time to put them away, not leaving anything for question in the fourth quarter.

The Warriors won the third quarter 35-14, still not quite outachieving the Celtics’ Game 1 fourth quarter. However, it was a quarter that build on their third-quarter success from Game 1 and, in theory, ended the game.

This type of dominance has been noted many times throughout their dynasty, but it’s continued to be true during this postseason run.

They are the league’s best third-quarter team. The Warriors actually have the league’s fifth-best net rating third quarter and have the second-best net rating of teams that got to the conference finals, only outdone by the Miami Heat.

While being a good third-quarter team is great, Golden State put many teams, Denver and Dallas several times, away in the first half and seemingly coasted.

They’ve buckled down when it’s mattered the most, and their +35 differential in the third quarter through just two games proves that. Their experience as a unit is a huge reason for this success as well.

Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors players in franchise history. dark

Combine it all, and their third-quarter dominance could be what helps them win their fourth NBA Finals in eight years.

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