June 6th, 2022

Photo courtesy of Cary Edmondson USA Today Sports
The 2022 NBA Finals first two games are in the books and one thing is clear. Neither the Celtics or the Warriors are the clear favorites. Game 1 showcased the Boston Celtics tough Defense that they displayed throughout the regular season and these playoffs. And Jayson Tatum and Jaylon Brown proved again that they are one of the best duos in the league. Even though Tatum had a low scoring night (12 points), he still managed 13 assists and 5 boards. The Celtics shooting was on point as well in Game 1 as they shot 50.6% from the field and an astounding 51.2% from 3pt range. Game 2 on the other hand was quite different. The Celtics did not shoot well and that was due to the fact that the Warriors came out with some tenacious defense of their own. The Celtics only shot 37.5% from the field and 40.5%. from 3pt range. The Celtics also did not take care of the ball as they had 18 turnovers. Simply put, they got out worked by the Warriors in Game 2. You saw the difference in Game 2 between an experienced Finals team and a inexperienced finals team. So the question popped up in my mind as the closing minutes of game 2 approached. Are the Warriors playing for more than just an NBA Championship in this years finals?
I think that question came to mind because this Finals for the Golden State Warriors is three years in the making dating back to the the 2019 Finals when they lost to the Toronto Raptors 4-2. Now we all know injuries played a big part in that finals loss and the next two following seasons. Kevin Durant left the Warriors, Klay Thompson was out for both seasons, Steph Curry broke his hand and only played 5 games and therefore finished the 2019–20 season with a league-worst record of 15–50. In the 2020-2021 season the Warriors were eliminated from the playoffs after losing two play-in tournaments to the Los Angeles Lakers who would become the seventh seed, and the Memphis Grizzles, originally the ninth seed, who would go on to face the Jazz after winning the play-in against the Warriors. So then this season came and the Warriors made some moves and Klay Thompson was able to return mid-season and all of a sudden the Warriors core unit ( Curry, Thompson, Green) were back to normal and they were one of the best teams in the league once again finishing the regular season with a 53-29 record. Wow, crazy to think that after all that, management stuck in there to keep the core unit together. Especially since those three are in their early 30's. Not that that's old but in pro sports, those are usually when the prime years start fading away and teams usually try to either replace them or rebuild. And the injuries were starting to pile on. Kudos to the Warriors management for hanging in there.
Now again I ask, are the Golden State Warriors playing for more than just an NBA Championship in this years finals? I think the answer is yes! The Warriors are playing for not only a championship this season, but also to solidify there place in NBA history as a dynasty. Now some of you are gonna scream WHAT!? But lets face it, from the 2014-2015 season though the 2018-2019 season they played in all the NBA Finals and won three. That's five seasons in a row in the Finals and won three. Not making excuses for them but the finals against the Raptors in 2019 might had been different if Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson don't go down with injury. Just sayin. So we have to give it up to them, that if they win this finals against the Celtics, they are solidifying themselves as one of the great dynasties in NBA history.
But that's a big if, because this series is not over by any means. Its 1-1 after two games. The Celtics Are going home to their home crowd at the TD Garden, which is always a tough place to play if you're the away team, and they will make adjustments as they have all season. But the Warriors looked unstoppable in Game 2. They took over the game in the third quarter. Klay Thompson hung in there and started finding his shooting rhythm after a cold first half. The Warriors defense was aggressive and physical throughout the whole game. Andrew Wiggins kept his role as a defender and getting quality shots when needed. Draymond was Draymond physical and annoying. Jordan Poole came off the bench and got hot in the third quarter. Especially with that deep three at the buzzer to end the third. Gary Payton II played good minutes. And you virtually have no chance when Steph Curry gets going like he did in the third quarter.
And I don't care what anybody says. If you think Steph Curry is NOT one of the best players in the NBA, then your not watching the games. And I'm talking actually watching the whole game. He does not get enough credit for all the other things he does because all those other things get overshadowed by his spectacular shooting. I think his ball handling skills go unnoticed but if you really watch him, his handles are next level. An example, and you can probably YouTube Steph Curry ball handling highlights, would be in Game 2 at the end of the first quarter he made a razzle dazzle move and went around the defender and went off the glass. His defense has improved over the years. Not elite but he has improved as time goes on. And if you want more just look at his numbers. The numbers don't lie! He's an all time great.
So many questions to be answered but so far this years NBA Finals is off to a fantastic start. And if you are a basketball fan, this series is a must watch. Will the Celtics bounce back from a Game 2 loss? Will the Warriors stay hot and keep up the tough defense they displayed in Game 2? Will home court be key for the Celtics as the series shifts to Boston in the TD Garden? And are the Warriors playing not only for an NBA championship but also to solidify themselves as one of the great dynasties in NBA history?
I would love to get your thoughts on it as well. Please comment below. Thanks for reading!
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