Photo Courtesy: Erik Drost
By DaVince “Dino” Wright
Over the past 3 games of this series, the Warriors/Celtics have experienced key players disappearing from the stat sheet. In Games 3 & 4 Warriors power forward Draymond Green has averaged more fouls than points. He’s not looking to take any shots because he’s struggling. On the other side offensive star guard Jayson Tatum has been streaky at best. He struggles when Jaylen Brown is hot. This series will go seven games because you don’t know what you’re going to get in these games as of right now, I’m calling it even until Game 7. Let’s take a look at Games 5 and 6 in the NBA Finals.
Defense will be the key!
Both teams are looking to make a run and keep the lead in the closing minutes of each quarter. The Warriors are keying in on shooting the three which gets them into trouble. “A long shot equals a long rebound”! Coaches around the world teach this discipline. After a bad shot is taken by the Warriors, the Celtics are off and running in transition. It’s the only way the Celtics are going to continue scoring on easy baskets. The Celtics are on the road for Game 5 and they could get a win because of this theory Golden State will need to continue to switch on pick and roll and play tough in the paint. The team that creates the most havoc in the paint will win the series.
6/13 – Game 5 – 8:00 p.m. – Boston Celtics vs Golden State Warriors – TV: ABC
This is the swing game. The Warriors won Game 4 in Boston on the shoulders of Steph Curry. His scoring from all over the floor was vital for the Warriors down the stretch. Boston has a jewel in Jaylen Brown. Brown has been the only consistent player for the Celtics during the playoffs. He will be the x-factor for the Celtics in Game 5. ESPN has the Celtics with a 52.7% chance of winning. The over/under is 212, so take the under! I’m take Golden State by 8! Final Score: Celtics 96 – Warriors 104
6/16 – Game 6 – 8:00 p.m. – Golden State Warriors vs Boston Celtics – TV: ABC
Don’t order your Golden State Championship gear just yet. The Boston Celtics will win Game 6 at home! This is the perfect storm for a Game 7 in San Fransisco. The Boston Celtics will take control of the game from start to finish. Remember this is the 75th year of the NBA and Boston is a flagship organization with championships dating back to the 50’s. I’m taking the Celtics by 15 or more. Look for the Celtics to rewrite the history books and get a win at home. Final Score: Warriors 100 – Celtics 117
