The Golden State Warriors returned to Boston on Thursday to face the Celtics for the first time since beating them in the NBA Finals last June.
Much of the game felt like a repeat of that terrific series, with both teams playing well and several superstars proving their worth.
But in the end, the final result was different from the outcome of the Finals.
This Finals rematch did not disappoint 🍿
Steph Curry: 29 PTS, 7 AST, 6 3PM, 3 STL
Jayson Tatum: 34 PTS, 19 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL pic.twitter.com/jcKfmqSOvq— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 20, 2023
The Celtics were able to overcome the Warriors and pulled out a 121-118 victory at home.
Both teams were able to rely on their heroic leaders, with Stephen Curry scoring 29 points, 7 assists, 6 three-pointers, and 3 steals.
Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum was incredible again with his 34 points, 19 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals.
The win for Boston was important for multiple reasons.
Firstly, they were down by as many as 11 points in the second half of the game and it seemed like the match could slip away from them.
But they were able to hang with it, fight back, and beat the team that dashed their championship dreams in the summer.
It was also a big deal because this showed the world that the Celtics are officially the best team in the NBA right now.
Not only do they sit atop the Eastern Conference standings, but they also have now defeated their old Finals rivals.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr toyed around with his lineup and was happy with what he saw, including playing small ball for much of the game.
It really looked as if the Warriors could pull out the victory but it ultimately didn’t go in their favor.
There was a lot of energy from both teams during the game, promising that if they meet again in the Finals, it’ll be one to watch.
Right now, that matchup seems unlikely but the Warriors are hoping to change that.
