The final time Boston hosted an NBA finals recreation, the Celtics withstood 38 factors from Kobe Bryant and received 92-86. 12 years later, they’re again within the finals, and took a 2-1 collection lead after a 116-100 victory. Jayson Tatum (26 factors, 9 assists, 6 rebounds), Jaylen Brown (27 factors, 5 assists, 9 rebounds), and Marcus Sensible (24 factors and seven rebounds) led the way in which for the Celtics, who held the Warriors to simply 11 factors in closing interval.
Jaylen was the story of the primary quarter, scoring 17 factors on 6/9 taking pictures whereas including 5 rebounds and three assists. As Brown was attacking Draymond Inexperienced, the always-hospitable Boston crowd graciously welcomed him with “Draymond Sucks” chants.
The Celtics went up 10-2 within the first two minutes, and whether or not it was Marcus Sensible within the submit or Jayson Tatum on the perimeter, the group made it a precedence to assault Steph Curry. The plan labored, as he picked up two fouls by the 5:44 mark. After that dreadful second half on Sunday night time, Boston got here out firing and led 33-22 after the primary quarter.
Because the Celtics maintained a double digit lead for many of the second quarter, the struggling Klay Thompson discovered his taking pictures stroke and saved Golden State within the recreation. Across the 5 minute mark, they went on an 8-0 run in 37 seconds, reducing the result in 9.
Tatum missed Brown on a quick break alley-oop earlier within the quarter, however after a Horford transition steal, he didn’t miss him this time.
Sensible scored on two straight possessions within the closing minute and the Celtics led 68-56 on the half. They shot 57 % from the sector, dished out 16 assists, and scored 32 factors within the paint. After solely scoring 15 two level subject targets in recreation 2, they made 19 within the first half, and exerted management over the sport from the opening tip.
As we’ve discovered the arduous approach, the third quarter Warriors are nothing to be trifled with. Steph hit two straight threes and lower the result in 8, however then picked up his fourth foul on a Sensible three level try. Nonetheless, he stayed within the recreation, and on the 5:06 mark, transformed on a 4 level play. As a result of the taking pictures foul on Al Horford was upgraded to a flagrant, Golden State obtained an additional possession, and Otto Porter jr. drilled a closely contested three pointer to chop the result in 80-82.
On the 3:45 mark, the Warriors obtained one other three by — you guessed it — Steph Curry, taking an 83-82 lead. They picked up the strain, trapped Tatum on each ball display screen, and compelled the Celtics to function out of isolation, a pointy distinction from their crisp first-half ball motion. The Warriors linked on seven 3’s within the quarter, and trailed the Celtics 89-93 going into the ultimate body.
Regardless of shedding the momentum, Boston opened the fourth on a 9-2 run highlighted by Marcus banking in a 3 and Grant scoring on an offensive rebound putback. Timelord obtained the group going after this block on Steph:
Tatum transformed on a contested layup on the 5:53 mark then he discovered Sensible on a drive-and-kick for an open nook three. The following offensive possession, Draymond fouled out on a crazy loose ball sequence, and when the Celtics obtained the ball again, Horford discovered Timelord for the alley-oop. Then Sensible put them up 114-100 with a floating financial institution shot, successfully ending any possibilities for a Warriors comeback.
Whereas Steph completed with 31 and Thompson with 25, the Celtics held Draymond to 2 factors in 34 minutes. They’ll look to take a 3-1 lead in Recreation 4 this Friday.
For extra postgame protection of the Celtics recreation 3 victory, tune into the the Backyard Report Postgame Present LIVE on clnsmedia.com. Be a part of A Sherrod Blakely, Bobby Manning, Josue Pavon, Jimmy Toscano and host John Zannis for a full breakdown. Plus, the fellows will talk about the dominant 4th quarter defensive efficiency.
