There had only been one game in the Finals before Sunday night but make no mistake: the Golden State Warriors needed to win Game 2.
And, sure enough, that’s exactly what they did.
They looked off their game during Game 1 but that certainly wasn’t the case on Sunday with Game 2, as the Warriors took down the Boston Celtics, 107-88.
There were a few keys to the team’s success but one thing really stood out: their excellent defense.
Warriors gave up 20, 14 and 24 points in the second, third, fourth quarters tonight. Only 88 total. The Celtics shot 36% from the field and turned it over 18 times. Draymond Green the emotional engine, Kevon Looney sturdy on the back end, Wiggins/GP2 active.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 6, 2022
Anthony Slater pointed out some remarkable stats about the Warriors in their Game 2 victory.
The team gave up just 20 points in the second quarter, 14 in the third, and 24 in the fourth.
Meanwhile, the Celtics were only shooting 36% from the field and turned the ball over 18 times.
In other words, the Warriors were limiting Boston’s power, practically suffocating them with their defense.
Boston Blocked
For a team that’s mostly known as an offensive powerhouse, this sort of defense from Golden State is astonishing and admirable.
It’s even more so when you consider the fact that the Celtics are still the best defensive team in the league.
That didn’t matter on Sunday night as it looked like the Warriors figured the Celtics out and were consistently shutting them down.
In Game 1, it was Boston putting the defensive hurt on Golden State, and in Game 2, the Warriors got their revenge.
The Warriors certainly had a great night but now the question is if they can keep it up in Game 3.
They are now entering the lion’s den, heading back to Boston to take on the Celtics at home.
If they can steal an away game – like the Celtics did – this series will take yet another exciting turn.
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