Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

Boston Celtics: 3 keys to a Game 3 victory over Golden State

By Austin DeCouta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next

As the Boston Celtics return home to New England, they sit tied with the Golden State Warriors at one win apiece in the NBA Finals. A Game 1 battle that resulted in the Celtics dominating the fourth quarter, was followed up by a dud in Game 2.

Boston came out strong, but their momentum was halted due to turnovers and calls not going their way. Even with the sloppy first half of play, the C’s trailed the Dubs by just two leading into the third period.

The start of the second half turned out to be a drawn-out twelve-minute nightmare for the shamrocks. Golden State outscored Boston 35-14 to take firm control of the lead.

The Warriors coasted to a 107-88 to even up the 2022 NBA Finals.

There is plenty to improve on for the C’s entering the tie-breaking contest. One thing going for Boston is they have yet to lose back-to-back games during their playoff run.

Game 2 was a poor night for many Celtics, but Jayson Tatum bounced back strong, dropping 28 points with six made 3-pointers.

Unfortunately, his teammates did not chip in.

Marcus Smart: 2/2/5, 1-6 FG, 0-3 3PT

Al Horford: 2/8/1, 1-4 FG, *did not attempt a three

Rob Williams: 2/2/1., 1-1FG

Derrick White: 12/4/2, 4-13FG, 2-4 3PT

One of the worst team games of the season by the surrounding cast makes it no surprise that the Boston Celtics fell well short of a win. One of the biggest areas of concern was the fact that Al Horford did not attempt a 3-pointer, which was odd considering this was the game directly after the one where he knocked down six treys.

Expect some major tweaks to Ime Udoka’s game plan entering Game 3 as they look to get back on track.

Robert Williams (knee) is the only Celtic listed on the injury report as he remains questionable. Gary Payton II (elbow) and Otto Porter Jr. (foot) are both game-time decisions and expected to play. Andre Iguodala (knee), who missed Game 2, rounds out the report as he is also listed as questionable.

In order to take the series lead over the Warriors, Boston must hone in on these 3 keys to victory:

Home/Celtics News