The Golden State Warriors led 52-50 in the first half against a Boston Celtics unit that matched them shot-for-shot in Game 2. It was a game that hung in the balance making the outcome of the first skirmish a lot more pivotal than it should have been.
Fast forward to the end of the game, the Warriors had decimated the green at the Chase Center and equaled the series 1-1.
Much of that Golden State Warriors win was about two-time MVP Stephen Curry, who was central in their scintillating third quarter.
The 107-88 win came on the back of some big shots by Stephen Curry. Assisting the star guard were Jordan Poole (17 pts) and Kevon Looney (12). Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson chipped in with 11 points each.
It was a huge third quarter for the Dubs with Curry scoring 14 of his 29 points. Remarkably, they didn’t repeat the mistakes from Game 1 where they let a 15-point advantage slip away. Poor defense saw the Cs land nine 3s in the final period of their 120-108 win.
The lesson was seemingly learned as Golden State pulled away after extending their lead to 29 points in that quarter and was on a healthy 25-2 run at that stage.
He was effective at both ends. His shooting which was rather erratic leading up to the finals was on point and he showed yet again why he was one of their best volume shooters. At this stage, he’s looked comfortable by the quarter for the Warriors.
The second factor was the turnovers by Boston.
They turned it over 19 times and that cost them a solid 33 points which their opponents gladly took. Add to this was some poor shooting. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored 28 and 17 points, but it wasn’t enough.
They had five turnovers and shot a poor 4-of-17 in the 3rd. That all but shut them down against a side that was keen to level up the series. Going in favor of the Warriors were those 15 steals that denied the likes of Derrick White and Al Horford scoring opportunities.
Like the Los Angeles Lakers for much of the season, the Celtics have had third-quarter issues which showcase inconsistent scoring and have had turnovers plague them. It seems to have spilled over in the finals.
However, this is a series that’s far from done. Celtics have been a side that’s come out swinging, and with a good five games left, expect this to become a slugging contest.