Boston Celtics: 3 main reasons why C’s won Game 1 in Golden State

Boston Celtics reason No. 2) Fourth-quarter defensive adjustments

Throughout the first half, the Boston Celtics had a number of defensive breakdowns, something that had been absent from their playoff run. The C’s were not only the best defense this year, but they rarely become disconnected.

Stars like Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jimmy Butler all got their points but were worn down from Boston’s physical play.

That wasn’t the case in the first quarter.

Golden State involved Robert Williams in simple pick-and-roll actions, and the big man was playing in a drop coverage against Steph Curry, the best shooter the game has ever seen. Obviously, this strategy was destroyed by Curry and the Warriors in the first half, with Steph scoring 21 in the initial quarter.

As the game progressed, Boston adjusted to switch more pick-and-rolls and dribble handoffs, leading to less space for Golden State’s shooters. Curry got both Robert and Grant Williams on him in isolation and found success against them. However, every other player on the court can reasonably stay in front of the 2x MVP, making him drive and kick the ball out to some of the Warriors’ lesser threats.

Golden State only finished with 16 points in the final 12 minutes, with Nemanja Bjelica hitting a garbage time triple with less than a minute left. Boston was happy to force the likes of Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala to take open 3-pointers in exchange for making sure Curry and Klay Thompson were covered.

Ultimately, getting stops in the fourth quarter after allowing 38 points in the third led to this comeback. Boston played one of the most perfect quarters of their season in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.