SAN FRANCISCO — Just like that, the NBA Finals are all tied.
The Warriors once again dominated the third quarter on Sunday night at the Chase Center, only this time they were not completely disbanded in the fourth, defeating the Boston Celtics 107-88 in Game 2.
Two nights after scoring 38 points in the third quarter of Game 1, the Warriors scored 35, this time around. They now lead the Celtics 73-38 in the third quarter of the first two games, good for a 35-point margin.
For Stretch, especially in that impressive third quarter, the Warriors showcased the full package of championship teams. They came under defensive pressure, were in control of the offensive, and were capable of pretty much whatever they wanted on either side of the ball.
Steph Curry led with 29 points and gave Golden State exactly what they needed. It cannot be overstated how important Kevon Looney has become, and the experienced center demonstrated that with 10 points, six rebounds, and three stalls. He was perfect 6-for-6 off the field for 12 points and finished in plus-minus as a plus-24.
Jason Tatum scored 28 runs and six 3-pointers after scoring only 12 points in Game 1. Still, that was minus -36. His running mate Jaylen Brown fell 17 points, but 13 came in the first quarter.
Here are three takeaways from the Warrior’s evening final with one win each.
MVP
There is no home game where the curry says “MVP!” Mantras playing from the walls of the Chase Center. He also hears them many times on the road. On Sunday, he earned them once again.
Along with his 29 points, Curry also added six rebounds, four assists, three stalls, and five 3-pointers. Whenever the Warriors needed a big shot from deep, whether it was to stir up the crowd or slow down the Celtics, he was there. Sometimes, from absurd distances.
Steph’s gravity is unmatched pic.twitter.com/UhN24aiDo2
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) June 6, 2022
Steph’s gravity is unmatched pic.twitter.com/UhN24aiDo2
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) June 6, 2022
Curry now averages 31.5 points in the first two games of the final and has gone 12-for-26 at 3-pointers.
Game 2 Gary
With 5:30 remaining in the first quarter, Peyton officially completed his comeback after fracturing his left elbow a month earlier. Initially, Peyton was placed on Celtics guard Derrick White but quickly had to defend Jason Tatum, who has five inches on him.
On Peyton’s first instance of an open lane for a dunk or layup, he didn’t look his normal self and missed both free throws after being fouled by Brown. But later in the period, Peyton proved his shot was still intact and caught a corner 3-pointer with chase center at his feet.
GP2 IS BACK 🙌 pic.twitter.com/po1IBcEmym
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) June 6, 2022
Throughout the season, Peyton proved just how much of a difference-maker he is to the Warriors. He’s found a home here in the Bay Area as a 29-year-old, and it was as evident in his first final game as ever.
Peyton played 25 minutes off the bench and was a plus-15. He scored seven points, was 3-for-3 off the field, and had three rebounds and three assists.
Kale/Pool’s Up-and-Down
With the Warriors leading by two points by halftime, Curry held the lead with 15 points. But he again did not get much help, especially from the two leading scorers. Through the first two frames, Poole and Klay Thompson combined for only five points, while going 2-for-13 and 1-for-6 at 3-pointers off the field.
Thompson came strong to open the third quarter, but it looked like the pool would sit the entire quarter, and his night was probably over. But with 1:19 in the frame, Kerr called on her young playwright and Poole, 22, didn’t disappoint.
Pole hit Looney with a perfect bounce pass immediately after going into the hole, and the center converted for two points. Poole then caught a corner 3-pointer and swung the half-court heave over the buzzer. It was an electric minute-plus of basketball.
The shot. The reaction. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/QqOcUToAaR
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) June 6, 2022
Over 22 minutes, Poole scored 17 points at 6-for-14 off the field and 5-for-9 off the field. But he was also blocked several times, and his long and scooping layout doesn’t seem to work against this Boston defense. This entire series is a real-time lesson for him.
Thompson only scored 11 points. He took 19 shots and made only four, including going 1-for-8 at 3-pointers.
The Warriors need him to win three more games. It has to come first, and it has to be consistent the rest of the way.