In the first two games of the 2022 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics came from 18 points down to win Game 1 and shocked the world after everyone thought that the Warriors would win at home easily. The Celtics never stopped grinding and chipping into the lead and ultimately took the first game. In Game 2, the Warriors started a bit shaky as both teams missed easy shots. The Warriors found their footing and started hitting 3’s and playing defense early in the 1st two quarters. The Warriors started to create turnovers and got the Celtics front court into foul trouble. The Celtics made a run but fell into a cold shooting streak in the later minutes of the 4th quarter. The series is split 1-1 and the Celtics will be home for the next two games. Let’s take a look at the keys for victory for both teams.
Who’s the X-Factor for both teams
Boston has two of the best young guards in the Eastern Conference in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. These guys have carried the Celtics all season. The x-factor for the Celtics in the next two home games will be point guard Marcus Smart. The Celtics point guard will need to stay out of foul trouble. He is extremely intense on the defensive side and being on the floor will change the dynamics of the Celtics offense. The x-factor for the Warriors will be forward Draymond Green. His energy is the catalyst for the Warriors on both ends of the floor. The key for him will be scoring in double digits since he’s really not a threat on the offensive end. He needs to score at least 15 points to help his team stay close leading into the 4th quarter.
6/8 – 8:00 p.m. – Game 3 – Golden State Warriors vs Boston Celtics – TV: ABC
The series is tied 1-1 and Boston stole Game 1 on the road. Boston has a chance to take a lead in the series and winning Game 3 will help put pressure on the Warriors on the road. Boston is the better team at home. Look for Jayson Tatum to come out hot! The team that creates turnovers and scores in transition will win the game. ESPN is taking the Celtics with a 80.5% chance of winning at home. The over/under is 212.5, so take the over in this one. I’m taking Boston by 7 at home!
Final Score: Warriors 120 – Celtics 127
6/10 – 8:00 p.m. – Game 4 – Golden State Warriors vs Boston Celtics – TV: ABC
This will be the swing game. If Boston loses Game 3, they will need to play a more physical type of defense in the 3rd and 4th quarters of this game. The Celtics has always played lackadaisical in the second half of games this season. The Warriors will need to keep up intensity on the offensive end and not over dribble the ball deep into the shot clock to have a chance on the road. The over/under isn’t the key for betting fans. Points scored by Curry/Thompson will be key. I’m taking Golden State by 12!
Final Score: Warriors 113 – Celtics 101
