It’s far from over: Takeaways from Boston Celtics-Golden State Warriors NBA Finals Game 4

1. “We don’t do that shit on function. I promise you, we don’t.”

That was Jayson Tatum’s response to why the Boston Celtics have made it so exhausting on themselves within the 2022 NBA Playoffs.

The fact is the Celtics had loads of points in Recreation 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals, however the largest problem Boston had was the Golden State Warriors.

Successful a championship is tough. Like, actually, actually exhausting. There are not any asterisk titles. All of them include their very own distinctive and tough path.

That stated… the very best crew at beating the Boston Celtics is the Boston Celtics.

Boston had 16 turnovers and allowed 16 offensive rebounds. For all of Stephen Curry’s terrifying brilliance, these are the numbers that value the Celtics the sport. That’s manner too many additional pictures for Golden State.

After which there was the fourth quarter. Within the first three video games, Boston has owned the fourth quarter. Not so in Recreation 4.

With 7:32, following back-to-back steals and scores by Jaylen Brown, the Celtics took a 91-86 lead.

The subsequent Celtics rating came to visit two minutes later when Marcus Sensible beat the clock on a 3.

The subsequent, subsequent Celtics rating recreation with 1:32 remaining on an Al Horford three-pointer.

In six minutes, Boston scored six factors.

Some extent per minute isn’t going to chop it. Not towards the Warriors.

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But, regardless of a collapse that resembled the 2021 Celtics that all of us thought we bid adieu to at New Years, the collection isn’t over.

It’s 2-2.

It’s not 3-1. It’s definitely not 4-0.

Certain, Boston missed an opportunity, however right here’s the factor: They’ve extra possibilities to come back!

If the Celtics can merely play basketball for 48 minutes and never beat themselves, they’ve confirmed they’re the higher crew. They simply can’t give the Warriors something simple. They’re too good, particularly Curry, at making you pay in your errors.

Right here’s one other factor: It took an all-time Curry efficiency, plus Andrew Wiggins grabbing 5 (FIVE!) extra rebounds than his earlier common season or playoff career-high, to squeak out a victory.

So…does it suck that Boston missed an opportunity to go up 3-1? It certain does. However the collection isn’t over. Removed from it.

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Now, it’s not going to be simple. Nevertheless it’s not alleged to be simple. The Golden State Warriors aren’t the WARRIORS anymore, however they’re nonetheless very, superb. Very like the 2010-2012 Boston Celtics, these guys are proud, veteran champions. They aren’t going to present you something. The Celtics should take it.

That’s what the Warriors did in Recreation 4. Boston gave them possibilities and Golden State took it.

In Recreation 5 and past, the Celtics have to scrub up three issues greater than anything:

· Turnovers. This one is simple: When Boston turns it over greater than 12 or 13 occasions, they’re going to lose. Eliminating live-ball turnovers is particularly key.

· Rebounding. This one is somewhat tougher, particularly if Robert Williams is restricted in any respect. Kevon Looney is a grasp at working the glass. The important thing, not matter Williams’ standing, is all 5 Celtics should hit a physique after which hit the boards.

· Late-game offense. This one must be simple. Hold pushing the ball. Get into stuff faster. Hunt mismatches, however do it with 16-to-20 seconds on the clock vs 8-to-10. Whereas looking, maintain transferring. No extra of the “stand round and watch one man work” offense”. That’s not the Celtics at their finest. Ball and participant motion should be higher for the complete 48.

A bonus factor: Jayson Tatum must be higher. If he can work out, and historical past says he’ll, and Curry lastly comes again to earth (He’s due for a stinker, proper? Proper?), then issues even out that rather more.

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It doesn’t matter what occurs in Recreation 5, the Boston Celtics aren’t executed. There’s one other recreation in Boston it doesn’t matter what. The 2022 NBA Finals are nonetheless very a lot up for grabs.

The Celtics are probably the most resilient crew of latest reminiscence. They’ve misplaced back-to-back video games precisely one time in 2022. They usually punted the second recreation of that set for relaxation/well being functions.

Within the playoffs, when Boston has appeared unhealthy one recreation, they’ve often bounced again and appeared their finest the following recreation. It’s a curler coaster experience, with equal components terror and exhilaration.

At this level, all we will do is belief that the Celtics will determine it out. They did in Recreation 6 in Milwaukee and Recreation 7 in Boston within the second spherical. They did in Recreation 7 in Miami within the Japanese Convention Finals. Why not do it once more within the NBA Finals?

Somebody is coming again to Boston for Recreation 6 with an opportunity to win the 2022 NBA Finals. It’d as nicely be the Celtics.