Will the Celtics Take a 3-1 Lead?
The Celtics took Game 3 on Wednesday to take a 2-1 lead in the series. The Warriors are now the underdogs and their backs are against the wall. Can the Warriors steal a win at TD Garden or will the Celtics push the Warriors to the brink? Here are some things to watch for in Game 4.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a three point basket defended by Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics in the third quarter during Game Three of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 08, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
In Game 3 Stephen Curry hurt his foot diving for a loose ball. This is the same foot he injured back in March when Marcus Smart landed on it. Curry has stated that this isn’t as bad. There is a level of concern only because of Curry’s history of ankle problems. He has stated that he will play and expect the Celtics to run Curry off screens to test out that foot. As long as Curry is himself the Warriors will have a chance.
Draymond Green has to calm down with the antics and get back to basketball. In Game 3 he played horrible two points, three assists, and four rebounds and he fouled out. That is unacceptable for him who is the heart and soul of the team. Getting back to basketball and playing your game will be the advice for Draymond. Yes still be the hustle guy and a great defender but don’t let your emotions control you.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 08: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts to a play in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Three of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 08, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Is Jaylen Brown too much for the Warriors? He was the engine behind the Game 1 comeback the Celtics made. Game 3 he started out strong and ended with 27 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. He has also been a factor on defense guarding guys like Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole. Brown is growing up right in front of our eyes and has taken the lead spot for Finals MVP. If he keeps it up he will help the Celtics win their 18th championship in franchise history.
Boston’s size and physicality look to be too much for the Warriors. If the Warriors had their big man James Wiseman this could be a different series. The Warriors were able to exploit the Mavericks because they had size on them but it’s a different ball game with the Celtics. As long as Robert Williams III can play through his pain from his knee surgery back in March the Celtics will be fine. In Game 3 they outscored the Warriors 52-26. The Warriors will have to match the Celtics’ physicality and play smart if they want to win.
For the Warriors, they need someone else to step up and help Curry who is having a great finals series. Jordan Poole has had moments but he has to start taking over at certain points. He keeps playing around with the basketball instead of making a move and getting to a spot for a jumper or getting to the basket. Thompson had a good game in Game 3 after playing poorly in the first two, more consistency out him will help.
