Celtics Power Past Warriors 116-100 to Go Up 2-1 in NBA Finals

BOSTON – The NBA Finals shifted to Boston for Game 3. Heading into the game, Boston had not lost back-to-back games since mid-January. This includes being 7-0 coming off a loss in the playoffs. Golden State was looking to snap that streak. They were coming off a Game 2 victory in Golden State. 

First Quarter

The first quarter started off strong for Boston. They jumped out to a quick 10-2 lead early in the quarter. They continued their fast start by going up 26-11 midway through the first. Jaylen Brown was a key contributor to the Celtics’ offense. Brown finished the first with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Celtics held a 33-22 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Second Quarter

The second quarter started off with both teams trading baskets. Boston then extended its lead to as much as 18 points. Golden State then got its offense into gear. They went on an 8-0 scoring run in 37 seconds of game time. This cut Boston’s lead to single digits. They added another 3-pointer to their run to cut their deficit to just 6 points. Boston did not let up though as they brought their lead right back up to 12 points. They led heading into the half over the Warriors. The score was 68-56.

Third Quarter

Throughout the first 2 games of the series, Golden State dominated the third quarter. That pattern continued in Game 3. They ran a high pick-and-roll throughout the quarter with superstar point guard Steph Curry. That proved to be too much for the Celtics’ defense. They sparked an 11-0 run during the quarter. It started with a 7-point possession. Stephen Curry hit a 3-pointer and was fouled in the process. The foul was upgraded to a flagrant penalty 1 and the Warriors retained possession after the free throw. Otto Porter finished it off with a 3-point basket of his own. Stephen Curry flashed his shooting ability with 15 points in the quarter. The Warriors took the lead for the first time in the game since they were up 2-0 in the first. Boston gained back momentum in the final minutes of the quarter. The Celtics held a 93-89 lead after three quarters.

Fourth Quarter

The fourth quarter saw the Celtics pick it up on the defensive end. Center Robert Williams continued his dominant defensive performance. He picked up 3 steals and 1 block in the quarter. Williams finished the game with 8 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 steals. Jayson Tatum also picked it up on the offensive end. He scored 9 points in the final quarter. After a missed shot by the Celtics, there was a scrap on the floor for the ball. Warriors point guard Stephen Curry came up limping after the play and was removed from the game shortly after. The Celtics held the Warriors to just 11 points in the fourth quarter. They outscored Golden State 23-11. Boston came out on top by winning 116-100.

Stat of the Game:

The Celtics trio of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart had a game to remember. They are the first trio of teammates to each have 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in an NBA Finals game since 1984. That trio was Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Magic Johnson, and Michael Cooper of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Key Performers:

Boston Celtics:

Jaylen Brown: 27 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists

Jayson Tatum: 26 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds

Marcus Smart: 24 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists

Golden State Warriors:

Stephen Curry: 31 points, 4 rebounds, 6 3-PT FGs

Klay Thompson: 25 points, 5 3-PT FGs

Game 4

Game 4 will be on Friday, June 6th at 9PM EST in Boston. The Celtics open as 4.0-point betting favorites. You can tune-in to the game on ABC.