The Athletic NBA Staff Show
 {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson a front-runner for Hornets' head-coaching job: SourcesGolden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson has emerged as a front-runner for the Charlotte Hornets’ head-coaching job, sources tell The Athletic's Shams Charania and Sam Amick, and will meet next week with team officials — including owner Michael Jordan — in the next step of his candidacy. It will mark the third meeting between the Hornets and Atkinson, and the first involving Jordan, sources said. More details here. {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Celtics solve Steph Curry, Warriors in Game 1: ‘We know what it takes to win’When Marcus Smart threw his arms up with two minutes left in the game, he did so in celebration. In Chase Center, where the Warriors often run away from opponents, the Celtics were nearing the end of a stunning fourth-quarter comeback. In the place Steph Curry usually owns, the Celtics were hammering the Warriors with the type of flurry Golden State typically lands on others. The huge run, which started with Curry on the bench, never stopped until Game 1 ended with a 120-108 Boston win. While smacking the Warriors with an endless barrage of 3-pointers, the Celtics simultaneously proved ready for a physical and mental challenge unlike any other. Throughout a 40-16 fourth quarter beatdown, they limited Curry, shut down the proven Warriors offense and stared down the Golden State mystique. “That’s kind of who we’ve been all year: Tough grinders,” said Ime Udoka. “A resilient group that we can always know we can rely on our defense to kind of buckle down when needed.” Sure. But against the Warriors? On the road? During the first NBA Finals game for every player on the Celtics roster? And, on top of all that, while needing to blast away a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit? (Photo: Cary Edmondson / USA Today) Jay King· GO FURTHER Celtics solve Steph Curry, Warriors in Game 1 of NBA Finals: 'We know what it takes to win' {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Stephen Curry was elite in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Warriors need to ask more of himSAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors are in the NBA Finals because when Stephen Curry takes his seat, they have been just fine. Sure, they lose a stint here and there. But, generally, the ball was in Jordan Poole’s hands. Klay Thompson was free to hunt for shots and find a rhythm. Players like Otto Porter Jr., Gary Payton II and Nemanja Bjelica made enough timely plays on either end. And Draymond Green, the defensive anchor and vocal leader, made sure it all worked. For most of the season, and well into these playoffs, that was enough. For up to six minutes, coach Steve Kerr and his superstar could be patient and confident while Curry sat with a towel over his head. The “others,” as Shaquille O’Neal calls them, could be counted on to hold it down. But after Game 1, that doesn’t seem to be so sure a bet. Not against this Boston defense. Not when the Celtics are countering with Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown on the court at all times. (Photo: Cary Edmondson / USA Today) Marcus Thompson II· Senior Columnist, Bay Area GO FURTHER Stephen Curry was elite in Game 1. The Warriors must lean on him even more {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} The Athletic NBA Show: Recapping Game 1Andrew Schlecht and Mark Schindler recap Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals. Warriors get stunned, Celtics up one. Listen here. {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Why NBA’s TV ratings are back upAfter two years of rocky, impugned TV ratings, the NBA is back riding a high, with this month’s Golden State-Boston finals likely to serve as a crescendo. Every week seems to bring some new accomplishment to tout. Game 7 of the Celtics-Heat series was the most-watched conference finals game in four years. More people watched the first round of these playoffs on ESPN than any postseason since 2014. The first playoff weekend had the biggest audience since 2011. This was the most-viewed regular season on TV since the 2018-19 campaign. Wherever you look, historical accomplishments loom. Read more here. (Photo: Noah Graham / NBAE via Getty Images) Mike Vorkunov· Staff Writer, NBA and Basketball Business writer GO FURTHER The NBA's TV ratings are back up! Why? It's complicated {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Jayson Tatum has record 13 assists in NBA Finals debut winAs Jayson Tatum ran up and down the floor watching the comeback take place around him, he never forced his way into the flow of the game. The ball would swing his way, and he would move it. He kept contesting shots on defense, then sprinting to the corners to lead the break. When he got the ball in the paint in transition with just under five minutes left, he didn’t even think about forcing a shot. Instead, he kicked it out to a trailing Al Horford to bury the 3 and take the Celtics’ first two-possession lead. In the end, they won 120-108 and now lead the series. It’s the kind of game management Tatum’s trainer, Drew Hanlen, has been preaching to him since last summer. “I think the biggest thing is the advice that Michael Jordan gave Kobe Bryant: At the end of the day, the only thing that people are going to judge you on is if you get the job done or not,” Hanlen told The Athletic after the game. “In past years, (Tatum’s) focus has been on scoring and being able to carry the load on the offensive end through scoring. Whereas now, it’s more so just reading what the defense is giving him, making the right play, not forcing shots, not taking ‘my turn’ shots, and really just getting everybody involved.” (Photo: Cary Edmondson / USA Today) Jared Weiss· GO FURTHER After a year of being groomed for greatness, Jayson Tatum has record 13 assists in NBA Finals debut win {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Warriors stay calm after an epic Game 1 collapse against CelticsMaybe the Golden State Warriors were just putting on a very brave face after a torrentially and historically terrible fourth quarter. Maybe these were just futile gestures and empty words. Maybe it’s already over. Maybe they’re done after this epic Game 1 collapse. It’s possible. This was an immense NBA Finals loss. A crushing loss. Possibly a confidence-destroying loss. But it is not Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson’s style to concede anything to any kind of presumed conclusion. It’s just not how the Warriors think, operate, speak or endure. It’s not how they’ve won three championships in this era, it’s not how they got back to the finals this year, and it’s not how they dealt with their stunning 120-108 defeat to the Celtics at Chase Center on Thursday. “It’s fine,” Green said of falling behind in a series for the first time this postseason. “You get a chance to do something else, do it in a different way, embrace the challenge. We’ve always embraced challenges. It’s no different. We’ll embrace this one. So no, it’s not a hit to the confidence at all, not one bit.” (Photo: Cary Edmondson / USA Today) Tim Kawakami· Senior Columnist & EIC, Bay Area GO FURTHER Kawakami: Bravado? Stubbornness? Pure confidence? Warriors show calm after Game 1 collapse {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} NBA Finals MVP watch after Game 1
Zach Harper· GO FURTHER Zach Harper's key stat, key moment, MVP watch from Warriors-Celtics Game 1 {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Draymond Green, Warriors guarded 3-point line too casually in Game 1 loss to CelticsIn the aftermath of a Game 1 fourth-quarter collapse, it’ll be simple, upon film review, for the Warriors to pinpoint which of the 21 made 3s from the Celtics stung most. It came with just over five minutes left and the Warriors protecting a three-point lead that had been 12 entering the quarter. Otto Porter Jr. shut down a Jaylen Brown drive, forced him to pick up his dribble and pitch it back to Derrick White with four seconds left on the shot clock. The Warriors’ defensive game plan informs them to sag off White, a 31 percent 3-point shooter who’d been worse over the totality of these playoffs entering Thursday night. But it wasn’t necessary for Steph Curry to give White room. He already had him bottled up without enough time to drive or pass. Curry just needed to get a hand up to contest White’s pump fake and prayer. Curry did his job. White still hit the shot, a demoralizer that tied the game. (Photo: Darren Yamashita / USA Today) Anthony Slater· GO FURTHER Warriors simply didn't guard the 3-point line well enough against Celtics in Game 1 loss {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Derrick White’s meteoric rise for Celtics continues at NBA FinalsSAN FRANCISCO — “Hi. My name is Derrick.” It was training camp 2019, in scorching Las Vegas. The first time Marcus Smart met Derrick White was there in the desert, with the two set to work for Gregg Popovich on the USA Basketball World Cup team. “First thing Derrick said … and that was it,” Smart remembered. White was quiet then, and now. But he no longer needs an introduction. Certainly not to the Celtics, or to the Warriors, or to the rest of the NBA playoffs. (Photo: Darren Yamashita / USA Today) Joe Vardon· GO FURTHER Derrick White's meteoric rise for Boston Celtics continues at NBA Finals: 'He's a baller' {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Key stat, key moment, MVP watch from Warriors-Celtics Game 1Who was the guy in Game 1? Jaylen Brown. He received some incredible help from Derrick White and Al Horford with their shooting. But it was the Boston Celtics’ other star who had a great fourth quarter following a tough first half to help his team capture Game 1 over the Golden State Warriors. Brown finished with 24 points on 10-of-23 from the field and had four turnovers, but he kept playing through his struggles in the first three quarters (14 points on 6-of-17 shooting). In the fourth, Brown came alive with 10 points, almost all of them in the blink of an eye, to help the Celtics erase a 12-point deficit. That turnaround helped set the tone for the fourth, which the Celtics dominated. (Photo: Cary Edmondson / USA Today) Zach Harper· GO FURTHER Zach Harper's key stat, key moment, MVP watch from Warriors-Celtics Game 1 {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Marcus Smart isn't satisfied{{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Jay Z shows love to Tatum after the win{{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Udoka weighs in Game 1 winIme Udoka: "That's kind of who we've been all year: Tough grinders. A resilient group." Jared Weiss· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} There's a first time for everythingThe Celtics are the first team in NBA history to win a Finals game by double digits after trailing by double digits entering the 4th quarter. Golden State lead 92-80 heading into the fourth quarter. {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Celtics are no stranger to 40-point quartersFirst 40-point fourth quarter by any team in the NBA Finals since Game 6 2008, when Celtics capped championship with 42-point final period vs Lakers. Law Murray· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Goodbye hero ballWarriors lost some juice when Steph tried/was forced to do too much on his own. Celtics found their flow once Tatum stopped trying to do too much on his own. Hero ball is being inverted before our eyes. Mike Prada· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Can't overlook Celtics' defenseWarriors have been playing with fire from 3 all playoffs. They gave Memphis so many open shots, figuring the Grizzlies couldn't capitalize. They did the same against Dallas, even though the Mavericks are known for shooting threes. But they banked on their ability to close out. Plus, they could always bank on their offense matching their opponent. They gave a lot of the same open looks to Boston, but this time it burned them. The Celtics went 21-for-41 from 3. Once they got hot, they poured it on. The difference with Boston, unlike with Memphis and Dallas, is their defense is good enough to clamp as well. The Warriors can't go blow-for-blow with a hot Boston squad because the Celtics' defense is energized by their offense. Marcus Thompson II· Senior Columnist, Bay Area {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Boston steals Game 1 on the roadBoston’s defense was unreal that fourth quarter, too. They for sure ran hot, make or miss league, all that stuff. But that was incredible defense from Boston, I thought. Swarmed all over the place. Shut off the 3-point line. Warriors had five points in the final six minutes. Celtics take Game 1, 114-103. Sam Vecenie· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} 'Others' stepped up tonightA 40-13 fourth quarter from Boston as the Dubs throw in the towel with 48 seconds left. Just incredible shotmaking by the Celtics’ "others" as Shaq would put it. David Aldridge· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Huge night for TatumJayson Tatum has more assists than points tonight, but he is having one of the most important games of his career. Knew the Warriors would box-and-one or straight blitz him tonight and he has been luring them where he wants and finding his teammates. 40-13 fourth quarter for Boston. Jared Weiss· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Salute, Jayson TatumYou know who’s been conspicuously quiet during this Celtics run? Jayson Tatum. After struggling from the field in the first three quarters, Tatum has forced himself to take a backseat and use his presence to draw defensive attention away from his teammates. Then, Tatum supplied the dagger by drawing two defenders to him and dishing to Marcus Smart for another three. Call it the anti-hero ball. So while loudmouth pundits shout about Tatum needing to be a superstar in the big moments, let this game be yet another reminder that Boston often plays best when Tatum doesn’t try to do too much. Mike Prada· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Great time for a career-highFirst Finals game of Al Horford’s career and he comes out and sets a new playoff career-high with 6 three-pointers. Jared Weiss· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Impressive run for CelticsBoston has started to put the clamps on Golden State, all while the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year sits on the bench. This is a special defensive unit. Shoutout Derrick White, Jaylen Brown and Al Horford. Mike Prada· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Reactions from around the leagueThe Celtics are outscoring the Warriors 31-11 in the fourth quarter and players around the league are taking notice. {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Boston takes controlThe Celtics have made six straight 3-pointer to open the fourth quarter, including a brutally difficult one from White at the end of the shot clock. After trailing 92-80 at the start of the quarter, they now lead 106-103. Jay King· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Derrick White or Ray Allen?Derrick White turning into Ray Allen since he had a baby has been a nice boost for the Celtics' title chances. Jared Weiss· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Gotta love itJust sensational basketball, from both teams. A pleasure to watch this level of competition and shotmaking. David Aldridge· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Celtics take a 106-103 leadDerrick White went 0-of-8 overall and 0-of-5 from 3 the last time he was in this building. He's 6-for-10 overall and 5-of-7 from 3 in Game 1. Anthony Slater· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Jaylen Brown has it goingJaylen Brown came into the game shooting 62.1 percent from the field in the fourth quarter, including two-thirds of his threes (18 of 27). He entered the Finals leading all players in total fourth-quarter points (120). He starts the fourth quarter of his first NBA Finals with 10 quick points Marcus Thompson II· Senior Columnist, Bay Area {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Boston taking advantage of the dunker spotCeltics have spent this fourth quarter trying to figure out how to get Draymond away from the rim so they can get into the paint for floaters/lobs to Rob Williams in the dunker. After a few bad possessions where Brown hit some tough shots, they finally found that oop and now it’s a five point game. But this level of stagnation is unsustainable, especially with Curry on the bench. Jared Weiss· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Here come the CelticsA huge 38-24 third quarter gives the Warriors a 12-point lead with 12 minutes to go. Ime Udoka going back to Robert Williams to start the second half prevented the Celtics from using the defensive configuration of Smart on Draymond Green and White on Curry that worked well to end the second. Having Williams on the floor also led the Celtics to pre-switch more actively after Curry made a three at Williams' expense early in the third. Even with that adjustment, Curry posted nine points and an assist as the Warriors built their lead. Another major factor was a wonderful defensive quarter from Green, who was seemingly everywhere from contesting shots to closing out beyond the arc, sometimes both on the same possession. Something to watch in the fourth and for the remainder of the Finals: the possession game. Golden State has rebounded just under 40 percent of its misses with two fewer turnovers; the Warriors are incredibly hard to beat when they have more scoring chances than their opponent. {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} 7-0 run for BostonAnd ... he didn't redeem himself. Celtics 7-0 run to start the fourth. Marcus Thompson II· Senior Columnist, Bay Area {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Been a rough game for PooleHe's 2-for-6 from the field, 1-for-4 from 3. He has three turnovers in his 20 minutes of action — including getting ripped at halfcourt. He's struggled with Boston's pressure and physicality, and assuredly the nerves of his first NBA Finals. But he can make up for it now. The start of the fourth quarter is Curry's rest. The Warriors win these minutes, that's pretty much game. They lose these minutes, Boston's in it and will have life down the stretch. A lot of that is on Poole, who runs the offense while Curry sits. Marcus Thompson II· Senior Columnist, Bay Area {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} He's been OttomaticWhen I ranked Golden State 11th in the 2021 offseason rankings, getting Otto Porter, Jr., was a key reason why. In Game 1 of the Finals, he’s showing exactly the best of what he can provide the Warriors – great 3-point shooting playing off of Curry and Klay. It was no coincidence that the Wizards had their best season in some time in 2016-17, when a healthy OPJ started 80 games, and shot 43 percent behind the arc as defenses loaded up to stop John Wall and Bradley Beal. How about 4-of-5, all on 3s, with 4 rebounds and a couple of steals through three quarters of his first NBA Finals game? David Aldridge· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Third quarter WarriorsThat's a 38-point third quarter for the Warriors against this Boston defense. They're at 92 with 12 minutes left. The most the Celtics have given up in these playoffs is 118. Warriors need 27 in the fourth to eclipse it. Anthony Slater· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Celtics will have to shoot Warriors out of zoneSitting back in a zone has allowed the Warriors to keep their biggest player – Draymond Green or Kevon Looney – at the rim. That’s making it harder for Boston to duck Jayson Tatum in against a Stephen Curry or Jordan Poole switch. Boston’s hit a couple 3s that Golden State will give them to stay close, but that was an excellent adjustment by Steve Kerr. Boston must find a way to draw Green or Looney out from the back line and attack downhill from there. Mike Prada· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Way to shoot, Otto Porter Jr.Wilt Chamberlain's grandson is 4-for-4 from 3. Marcus Thompson II· Senior Columnist, Bay Area {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Should be a fun third quarterTwo best third quarter teams in the NBA this season were the Celtics (plus-11.8 net rating) and the Warriors (plus-10.5 net rating). Fair to wonder if that quarter is going to determine the winner of this championship. Warriors are dominating the third quarter in Game 1. Already outscoring the Celtics 23-10 in the quarter, but there’s still four minutes left. Boston is poised to make a run at some point because it’s what they’ve done in this period all season long. Zach Harper· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Both teams seeing how different the other isThis game has clearly been a bit jarring for both teams as both have gotten a good dose of how the other is different. The Celtics learned why teams relentlessly double and trap Curry, or even face guard him. The Warriors learned that this Boston defense is nothing like they've faced, even as tough as Memphis was. One of the elements of that is Green pushing in transition. All playoffs, he's been getting the rebound and going, creating advantages and when there is a lane getting all the way to the rim. But what was so much easier against Jokic, Steven Adams and Maxi Kleber is much harder against the Celtics. He isn't outrunning them like he does others. And they are still protecting the rim well despite the head start. So the transition opportunities that provided so many easy shots for the Warriors aren't so easy now because of the Celtics' athleticism and shot-blocking. Marcus Thompson II· Senior Columnist, Bay Area {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Don't forget your shoeSteph with the Aunt Bunny: "My shoe!" David Aldridge· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Golden State forcing Tatum to be a passerWarriors, like they did against Luka Dončić early in the Dallas series, are overreacting to Tatum's drives. And Tatum, who is 2-for-11 from the field, has masterfully exploited the help on his attacks. He's driving with his eyes up, looking to punish the helper. And when the Warriors get a good jump on the kick-out, they haven't been there on the extra pass. It's a big reason the Celtics are 10-for-23 from deep. The Warriors are either going to have to live with Tatum's drives or get their rotations down. Marcus Thompson II· Senior Columnist, Bay Area {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Warriors winning the battle of the boardsTen offensive rebounds for the Warriors already. Including six for Kevon Looney. He's a problem on the glass. Jay King· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Looney taking advantage of second chance opportunitiesKevon Looney now has three assists right off of offensive rebounds. Made sense when it was him just reaching over Marcus Smart, but that was just a weak box out by Al Horford on that last one and Jayson Tatum got unlucky running the wrong direction from the kick out to Andrew Wiggins. Jared Weiss· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Klay passes LeBron for second-most career playoff 3s in NBA history{{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Boston giving Wiggins the green lightThe Andrew Wiggins open 3s are going to be vital for the Warriors in this series. Celtics clearly willing to give them up. He's 1-of-5 the first two and a half quarters of Game 1. Wiggins hit 39 percent of his 3s this season, but he's streaky. Anthony Slater· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} A few Celtics improvements to keep an eye onSome Boston improvements and adjustments in the second quarter that could loom large both in the second half and moving forward:
{{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Boston leads 56-54 at halfThe Celtics have heeded his words ever since those comments. They are jumping out on the Warriors, playing up on them on every switch and then dropping back thereafter. That adjustment has powered Boston’s 56-54 halftime lead. Mike Prada· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Marcus Smart is locked inESPN’s cameras caught Marcus Smart explaining the key issue that the Celtics need to solve. As he told his team, this isn’t the Heat anymore. They cannot drop back into the paint and then come out to shooters. They need to come out to shooters and THEN drop back into the paint. A masterful segment for the Celtics and for NBA viewers. That’s how you make fans smarter about the game. Mike Prada· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Not the Poole we're used toJordan Poole's been great in the previous three Game 1s. Went for 30, 31 and 19 points on 9-of-13, 12-of-20 and 8-of-12 FG. But he's struggling with Boston's size and physicality in the opener. Two turnovers. Robert Williams pinned his shot at the rim. Two points. Just committed a carry. Anthony Slater· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Celtics' offense has arrivedBoston's offense, which looked mediocre against the Heat, is cooking this first half. They are shooting 51.4 percent from the field, including 8-for-18 from 3, and have 15 assists on their 19 baskets. Marcus Thompson II· Senior Columnist, Bay Area {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Quality rest for CurryWith three full timeouts (three minutes or so each), along with five minutes of game time in the second quarter – and you can add a couple more minutes to that to account for balls going out of bounds, substitutions, etc. – Steph Curry has gotten a good 15-plus minutes of actual rest since he left the game at the end of the first quarter. David Aldridge· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Tatum's come a long way as a facilitatorJayson Tatum hasn’t been the scorer we’re used to, but he also hasn’t been the distributor we’re used to. Warriors are trying to swarm as much as possible on his attacks, and he’s trusting his teammates to knock down shots. Golden State will probably live with Marcus Smart, Derrick White, and Daniel Theis taking those shots, but Tatum is making the right play. Not sure we would’ve fathomed that back at the start of the season. Zach Harper· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} We've got a ballgameThe Celtics aren't in bad shape midway through the second quarter here, all things considered. You have up this scorching hot first quarter to Steph Curry, and trail by single digits (47-41 as of this note). Sam Amick· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Not all 3s are good 3sBoth teams have been hot from the 3-point arc, but there's one difference: The Warriors are getting them from guys they want shooting, while the Celtics have been lucky a number of their iffy shooters have canned long-distance attempts. Derrick White is 2-fo- 4. So is Marcus Smart. Even Daniel Theis has made a 3. If these teams keep getting these same looks, the Warriors' percentages should be more sustainable. But the Celtics could also change that slightly by, you know, actually guarding Stephen Curry. Jay King· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} This one is moving fastWith hardly any fouls or whistles, first half being played at warp speed for a Finals game ... we tipped off 33 minutes ago and already are well into the second quarter. John Hollinger· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Instant impact from Iguodala, Porter Jr.The Warriors are getting instant contributions from two of their previously missing players. Andre Iguodala hadn’t played since Game 4 of the first round and already has a bucket to go with a couple of assists, while Otto Porter Jr. is up to six points on two 3s. Iguodala had a neck injury and Porter Jr. missed the last two games with foot soreness. Joe Vardon· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} It's raining 3s in San FranciscoWarriors and Celtics are a combined 18-for-36 from 3. Marcus Thompson II· Senior Columnist, Bay Area {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} A series unlike any other this postseasonCeltics experience the sticker shock of having to defend a perimeter player who can shoot for the first time since April. Warriors experience sticker shock from having to guard a team with multiple players who can drive. A reminder to both teams: this series won’t be like any other they’ve played this postseason. Mike Prada· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Bold move by Ime UdokaUdoka is going deep into his rotation with Daniel Theis and Payton Pritchard out there, all the while the Celtics are screwing up their coverages on Curry and most notably defending pick-and-rolls right below the screen level without the dropping big at least stunting at him. He hit his last 3 with Theis just watching him and that’s basically just rolling out the red carpet to shoot it, even if his man is trying to fight over the screen. Jared Weiss· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Steph's coming for Finals MVPIt’s early but Steph Curry is working on his second Finals MVP award. Sorry, Andre Iguodala, but you need to donate that 2015 one like Ja Morant gave away Most Improved Player. Zach Harper· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Defensive matchups through the first 12 minutesThe first quarter mostly answered my pre-game question about which defensive matchups each coach would avoid and it produced some fascinating results. Steve Kerr and the Warriors proved extremely willing to switch anyone on to the Celtics' best scorers, including Kevon Looney guarding Jayson Tatum after a switch on Boston's first possession and Stephen Curry defending Tatum for two straight trips a few minutes in. One of the ways Golden State managed those situations was something the Heat went to in the Eastern Conference finals: Helping off Marcus Smart as he attempted four 3-pointers in nine minutes of action. On the other end of the floor, Curry cooked Grant Williams and exploited plenty of Celtics miscues for a huge 21 points on 7-of-8 from the field. Something to watch in the second quarter: Boston went after Jordan Poole aggressively as soon as he came in, and that will become bigger in the second quarter with Curry off the floor and potentially some more limited Warriors defensive lineups as well. {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Curry setting the tone earlyThese 21 points are the most Steph Curry has ever scored in any one quarter of an NBA Finals game. Had been 17 a few times (G3, 2015; G3, 2019, G5, 2015). It's the fourth-most he's scored in any one quarter in the playoffs in his career (high is 23 in the 4th quarter of Game 6 vs. the Rockets in 2019). Mike Vorkunov· Staff Writer, NBA and Basketball Business writer {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Historic first quarter for StephFor so many years, Curry has heard talk about how he doesn't show up in the Finals. In his return to the biggest stage — with the Celtics choosing not to trap or blitz him — he scored 21 points in the first quarter. This is a best-case scenario for the Warriors' offense. The Celtics will undoubtedly have to adjust, and be aggressive about taking away Curry. That means others will have openings. Marcus Thompson II· Senior Columnist, Bay Area {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Six 3s already for CurrySix first quarter 3s from Steph Curry. He has 21 points. This is the worst job I've seen from any defense in these playoffs staying attached to the most dangerous shooter in world history. Anthony Slater· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Standing O for IggyAndre Igudoala is entering for the first time since the first round. Huge ovation in Chase Center. He hasn't announced anything in regards to retirement, but starting to get the sense this could be it for Iguodala. Anthony Slater· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Jaylen Brown doing well on Klay earlySo far, Jaylen Brown is doing an excellent job on Klay Thompson. Brown is navigating screens well and giving Thompson no space while pushing Klay way out on the catch. Thompson got his first basket in transition from 3. He got his next after getting Brown screened off him and Grant Williams on him. Then Thompson lost Williams on a screen. Marcus Thompson II· Senior Columnist, Bay Area {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Boston must step it up defensivelyCeltics' defense has already had some terrific defensive possessions, forcing a Kevon Looney mid-ranger and Draymond Green late clock 3. Both misses. But that's already multiple horrible breakdowns in their Steph Curry coverage. He almost never got those type of open looks during the Warriors parade through the West. Anthony Slater· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Keep an eye on transition gameLet's keep a close look at fast break points and points in the paint for tonight. Could be two X-factors that determine a victory. In the first six minutes, the Warriors have nine fast break points and eight points in the paint. The Celtics have no fast break points and only two points in the paint. Damon Sayles· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Might want to hedge on screens for StephI would suggest overplaying the screen level on those picks for Steph Curry. Unless you’re hoping he might use up all his makes in the series early. It’s technically possible his arms get exhausted from making 3-pointers early and celebrating them with the point to the sky. Zach Harper· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Fast-paced startOnly two free throws, plus a pretty fast pace, equals six minutes of hard cardio to start. I think some guys are gonna be gassed as this goes on. John Hollinger· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Hot start for StephCurry has scored 11 on five shots with two assists. He's responsible for 16 of the Warriors' first 20 points — in just over six minutes of action. Marcus Thompson II· Senior Columnist, Bay Area {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Warriors letting the game come to themWarriors aren’t really forcing much at all so far. If the Celtics overplay the paint, they take the jumper. If the Celtics overplay the perimeter, they cut and score at the rim. The patience of this offense to start Game 1 of the NBA Finals is impressive to say the least. Zach Harper· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Bombs away for Marcus SmartFour three-point attempts already for Marcus Smart in the first three-and-a-half minutes of this game, in case there was any doubt which Celtic Golden State plans to leave open Mike Prada· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Steph has thrived against Boston thus farA fun fact that we discussed on this week's Tampering podcast about Steph Curry and this vaunted Celtics defense. In the six games prior to the last matchup - where he played just 14 minutes and suffered an ankle injury when Marcus Smart hit the floor - he averaged 35.1 points while hitting half of his threes (41 of 82). The reminder: He's a problem no matter what defense stands in his way. And fittingly, Steph hits a three here to start the scoring in Game 1... Joe Vardon· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} First bucket of the FinalsSteph Curry gets the scoring started as you might've figured he would. {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} I love to see itHome team wearing the home white. Road team wearing its iconic road green. I feel seen. David Aldridge· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Boston pregame fitsAhead of tonight's tipoff, check out the Celtics' pregame fits. Tatum's suit coat is already a topic of discussion. {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} How valuable is Kevon Looney's ability to rebound?If the Warriors lose Kevon Looney this offseason because his price is too high, blame none other than assistant coach Dejan Milojević. Board man gets paid, right? Get this: Basketball-Reference has Looney grabbing 21.62 percent of the available rebounds when he’s on the floor in these playoffs. That ranks No. 44 all-time for the best rebound rate in a single postseason. Higher than the best postseasons of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (21.59 percent in 1977) and Tim Duncan (21.38 in 2008). Wilt Chamberlain’s best postseason (21.74 in 1973) is six spots ahead of the Warriors’ starting center. Marcus Thompson II· Senior Columnist, Bay Area GO FURTHER Kevon Looney has become a rebounding machine under Warriors' new big-man guru {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} What I'll be watching earlyA key strategic element I will be watching early is which defensive matchups Steve Kerr and Ime Udoka are uncomfortable with, especially in one-on-one situations. For example, is Robert Williams defending Stephen Curry a panic situation, or will Udoka be willing to try that switch? It is a key choice because avoiding (or attempting to avoid) some situations leads to sacrificing other opportunities to the offense like corner 3s or help at the rim on drivers. There is nothing stopping these coaching staffs from changing their approach in-game or over the course of the series, but where they start will tell us a whole lot about how they will finish. {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Warriors vs. Celtics odds, matchups, previewThe NBA is no stranger to dynasties. In the league’s 75-year existence, some of my personal favorites include the Kobe-and-Shaq Los Angeles Lakers of the early 2000s, Michael Jordan’s 1990s Chicago Bulls and Magic Johnson’s Showtime Lakers, whose many docuseries and short films have filled me in on an era of basketball that I wasn’t around for. But before those dynasties existed, a considerably more dominant one formed in the latter half of the 1950s and lasted through the 1960s — Red Auerbach’s Boston Celtics. GO FURTHER Cole Huff's notebook: The odds, key matchups and storylines for Warriors-Celtics {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} The Warriors feed off Klay Thompson's competitivenessI got Klay Thompson to slow down. A little. Which was a more than a tiny victory if you know how speedily Klay can go when he’s headed to the team bus after practice — and how determined he can be to move exactly that quickly once he’s agreed to conduct an interview during the journey. But my leg hurt from a not-that-recent injury. I couldn’t quite keep up over those few minutes while making sure the tape recorder was properly aligned. Klay noticed and understood. And, more importantly, I also asked him a question that got his competitive juices flowing and his gait slowing to make a point. Tim Kawakami· Senior Columnist & EIC, Bay Area GO FURTHER Warriors feed off of Klay Thompson's competitive fire {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Finally, some newsJourney legendary guitarist and Bay-area native Neal Schon will perform the National Anthem tonight. Don’t Stop Believin. Oh, also, Jay-Z and Barry Bonds are expected to be here. Joe Vardon· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} How Celtics’ defensive evolution prepares them for WarriorsThe Celtics’ defense used to be a monolith. It was supposed to be this big black box, a neural network of switches that ran automatically off its basic inputs. But as the playoffs have dragged on, this unit whose accolades have ranged from best in the league at a minimum to best of a generation at a, well, median if we’re being honest, has become more diverse and unpredictably predictable. Ime Udoka and his staff have built out the hidden layer to give this defense more variance and complexity than it has all season. The Celtics made the NBA Finals not because they could stop everything from happening by switching up on every play, but because it was able to invite the opponent into what was supposed to be a comfort zone, then turn the heat up just when the offense thought it was getting cozy. Jared Weiss· GO FURTHER How Celtics' defensive evolution in playoffs prepares them for daunting Warriors offense {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Title shotThe Celtics will pursue an 18th NBA championship, which would break a tie with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers for the most in league history. The Warriors will go after No. 7, which would break a tie with the Chicago Bulls for the third-most titles. Jeff Maillet· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Celtics-Warriors startersWe're just minutes away from tipoff. Take a look at the starters for both teams below. {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} How many first-year coaches have won an NBA title?Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka can become the 10th NBA coach to win a championship in his first season. He would become the fourth to do it in the last eight years, joining a group that includes his finals counterpart, Steve Kerr. The full list:
{{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Jeff Van Gundy will miss Game 1 with COVID-19ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss Game 1 of the NBA Finals, an ESPN official told The Athletic on Thursday. Read more here. Joe Vardon· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Commissioner Adam Silver on Brittney Griner"We are working in lock step with the US government and outside experts trying to expedite her release in any way we can. Certainly, our hearts go out to her and her family." Jared Weiss· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Key questions, X-factor and predictionsThis series pits the league’s two best regular-season defenses against each other. This will be a challenge for both offenses. But that’s a bit of a simplistic telling. Boston’s defense has been leaps and bounds ahead of any other unit since the calendar flipped to 2022. Its rating in the final four months of the regular season was 105.2, three efficiency points stingier than the next closest. That’s carried into the playoffs. The Celtics have produced a cumulative 105.1 rating during their takedown of the Nets, Bucks and Heat. The Warriors’ defense faded after Draymond Green’s injury in January. It’s recovered since his return. They’ve mixed schemes and held up well when it’s mattered most the past six weeks, producing a decent but unspectacular 111.0 defensive rating during their 12-4 stomp to the West crown. They aren’t shutting teams down, but they’ve faced excellent offenses and are slowing them enough to race away with wins on the other end. The Warriors have a league-best 116.1 offensive rating in the playoffs. That’s four efficiency points above their regular-season ranking. Curry is in a groove. Poole has arrived. Klay Thompson always has big nights in his back pocket. Andrew Wiggins has found his role. Green has upped his aggression lately. Looney is gobbling up offensive rebounds. Most everything has clicked on that end. So that’s where the chess match in this series begins: the Warriors’ offense against Boston’s defense. Anthony Slater· GO FURTHER Warriors-Celtics NBA Finals preview: Key questions, X-factor, matchups and prediction {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Inside the Warriors’ restructured front officePreseason. Los Angeles. An overall meaningless night to the viewing public in what was then known as Staples Center. But the stakes were high in regard to the Warriors’ 15th and final roster spot for the 2021-22 season. The decision was between Avery Bradley and Gary Payton II. The franchise legends preferred Bradley, the known commodity. The front office wanted Payton, a gem they felt they’d discovered. Another option: Neither. Leaving the spot open would save millions in luxury tax penalties. The internal debates were lively. The competition tilted Bradley’s direction when Payton had hernia surgery a month before training camp and wasn’t able to get on the court. He was running out of time to win the spot. To secure an NBA job, Payton needed to make a statement. He convinced the training staff he was well enough for the green light in Los Angeles, however brief. Payton entered late in the first quarter. He had a putback, dunk and layup within his first 121 seconds on the court. Two more dunks came a bit later. So did a block and a steal. His night — and entire preseason audition — only lasted 11 minutes. He didn’t even play in the preseason finale. But the impact of his performance swept through the organization like juicy gossip. Payton’s style isn’t subtle. Read more from Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson II here. (Photo illustration: Wes McCabe / The Athletic. Photos: Ezra Shaw, Garrett Ellwood, Bart Young, Garrett Ellwood, Noah Graham / Getty Images) GO FURTHER Warriors' NBA Finals berth: 'See, we're not idiots" {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Champions Only predictions, Part 2As the 2022 NBA Finals between Golden State and Boston – one of the most anticipated in recent years because of the seemingly endless number of subplots and matchups between two of the biggest winners in league franchise history – begins Thursday night in San Francisco, I polled former NBA players on who they think will win, and why. But there's one wrinkle: you didn't get a text if you never won a ring. Only people who captured the NBA's biggest prize get to opine on the NBA's championship series. Clyde Drexler THEN: NBA championship (1995, Houston); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer NOW: Commissioner, Big 3 League "Boston has faced stiffer competition and should be firing on all cylinders. Their size will be a challenge for Golden State, but ultimately Curry will be too much to handle. Steph finally wins his first Finals MVP award, and GSW wins in 7." Mario Elie THEN: three NBA championships (1994-95, Houston; 1999, San Antonio) NOW: Broadcaster, Houston Rockets, ATT SportsNetSW "I like the Celtics in 7. Love their D and length. I like their size. Steph's going to have to guard. Smart needs to post him up. Is Poole going to continue to perform on this stage? Klay is going to have to play like old Klay. Can he after those injuries? I like the Celtics' role players better. Both Williamses, Horford and (Derrick) White. I think Tatum's ready for that next step. I love Draymond; they need him to score a little bit. The Warriors are 9-0 at home, but the Celtics will win on their floor. Love both of the coaches. Played with one (Kerr, in San Antonio) and coached Ime in Sacramento..." "(Boston beat) KD and Kyrie, then Giannis in seven games, then (Jimmy) Butler in seven games. Won three games in Miami. Battle tested. The Warriors are the final exam." David Aldridge· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} NBA Finals roundtableIt’s the battle of the dynasty versus the debutant, the legendary squad still holding on to greatness against the franchise finally taking off after repeatedly hitting a wall on the verge of the NBA Finals. Now the Golden State Warriors host the Boston Celtics in Game 1 tonight, so we’ve convened The Athletic’s Warriors writer Anthony Slater along with Celtics writers Jared Weiss and Jay King to discuss the biggest questions heading into this highly anticipated series. (Photo: Winslow Townson / USA Today) GO FURTHER Warriors-Celtics NBA Finals: Everything from defending Steph Curry to unlocking Jayson Tatum {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Welcome back, Rob WilliamsRob Williams has been upgraded to available by the Celtics with his knee soreness getting a few extra days of recovery. Ime Udoka says that Williams will start and they are trying to keep him down closer to the 20 minute mark as they have been doing throughout the playoff run. But he has no limit and can play more if needed. Generally, the Celtics have closed with Derrick White or Grant Williams, so they haven't needed much more than the 25 or so minutes they can get out of Rob Williams. Udoka has said multiple times that Williams will be day-to-day throughout the Finals and he has had to sit out several games following his return from meniscus surgery early in the postseason. His bone contusion suffered on the same knee from a collision in the second round with Giannis Antetokounmpo has exacerbated the situation, but now that the Celtics are no longer playing every other day, it appears Williams will clearly benefit from that extra rest day. Jared Weiss· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Payton II, Iguodala, Porter Jr. all availableSteve Kerr confirms that Gary Payton II, Andre Iguodala and Otto Porter Jr. are all available for the Warriors tonight. Wouldn’t commit to them in rotation, but "all three can contribute." Anthony Slater· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Champions Only predictions, part 1As the 2022 NBA Finals between Golden State and Boston – one of the most anticipated in recent years because of the seemingly endless number of subplots and matchups between two of the biggest winners in league franchise history – begins Thursday night in San Francisco, I polled former NBA players on who they think will win, and why. But there's one wrinkle: you didn't get a text if you never won a ring. Only people who captured the NBA's biggest prize get to opine on the NBA's championship series. Isiah Thomas THEN: Two NBA championships (1989-90, Detroit Pistons); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer NOW: Chairman and CEO of Cherulin/Isiah Imports; CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, One World Pharma; Studio Analyst, NBA-TV "Boston in 6. Defense wins championships." BJ Armstrong THEN: Three NBA championships (1991-93), Chicago Bulls NOW: NBA player agent; podcaster "I think, you know, with this series, it's interesting. Because the Warriors deserve the respect of a champion. ... so I've got to respect the fact that they have experience on the floor that no one else has, other than them three (Curry, Thompson, Green). Rudy T said you can't underestimate it. You don't get there by chance. They understand that. And, more or less, they should probably win Game 1. At least, they know the importance of winning Game 1, why they shouldn't be as nervous as the other team – this is their first time, and all of the media and so forth and so on. Now, how quickly can the other team wake up? I remember my first time in the Finals – I remember our first time in the Finals – we lost our first game, to the Lakers. So I've got to see what I need to see to make the proper adjustments, so then I know what it is I can and can't do. I can give you my opinion, but my opinion really doesn't matter, because it's the championship..." "Those young (Warriors) players are playing with a level of belief they probably shouldn't have, or couldn't have, unless someone's given them that confidence – and that somebody is Steve Kerr, and those three guys. That's a fact. You don't just come into this league, not get drafted, and suddenly now, you are starting, and Steph Curry is coming off the bench. None of us can sit here and say we've seen that before. That's like Michael Jordan's coming off the bench, and Dennis Hopson's starting. So in saying all this. ... I do believe the Celtics have what it takes to beat them. First of all, they have a three-headed monster at the center position in Grant Williams, Al Horford and TimeLord (Robert Williams). And all three of them should be able to provide and occupy Draymond, if they decide to put Draymond on them. Al Horford is strong enough and has a basketball level to where he can take away something from Draymond. He's not just a big. He plays like an undersized player. Draymond is an undersized player. That's a talent in and of itself. It's like, for us, it was important for us to have Cliff Levingston, because he played like an undersized player. Undersized player is a true talent. Al Horford can play against bigger players like Joel Embiid, but he doesn't play well against smaller players. Because he doesn't play like a big guy; he plays like an undersized center. Draymond can't play the three against people his same size, but he plays better against bigger players. ... it's a talent. Cliff Levingston can play against Dennis Rodman, but he can't play against James Worthy..." "I do think Coach Kerr is going to have issues because of size. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are bigger than Steph Curry and Jordan Poole. And I don't know where Klay is at as far as what I've seen on the defensive end. Offensively, he looks like he's beginning to get his legs and things back. But defensively, he hasn't shown the ability to take on the assignments yet. And in this series, Jordan Poole and Steph Curry aren't big enough to deal with their three perimeter players... and if TimeLord can be on the floor, they don't have anybody other than (Jonathan) Kuminga to play vertical basketball..." "I think the bigger athletes will probably win the series. (The Celtics) have the bigger athletes. But if they turn the ball over, because they've been a little lackadaisical, I think the Warriors could go down, and instead of making a layup, they'll make a 3, and all of a sudden, in three or four shots, it's a nine, 12-point turnaround. ... if you're asking me, I think the biggest athletes in six. But I've got to give the Warriors their respect. ... Marcus Smart is, to me, the key to the series. Because he has to manage the tempo of the game. Golden State can't play against their five. If it's always 5 on 5, Boston will win that series. But if the Warriors are strategic, and they're able to pick and choose to play advantage basketball – 4 versus 3, or 3 versus 2 – they will win the series. ... Marcus Smart is going to have play at the same level that (Fred) VanVleet and Kyle Lowry did for Toronto (against the Warriors in the 2019 Finals). If he's on his game and he's knocking down timely shots – he has a knack for that – and he's playing solid defense, I think they've got a chance to win this thing, and maybe make it quick work." David Aldridge· {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Celtics' best story worked at a cemetery a year agoAs the Celtics celebrated Jayson Tatum’s playoff-opening buzzer beater, his most improbable teammate stood out. In the jumble of Boston players wearing green and white, Matt Ryan’s black sweatshirt and dark pants set him apart. On a two-way contract, Ryan is ineligible to play in the postseason but very much eligible to savor every aspect of the experience. For him, Tatum’s game-winning layup against the Nets represented an unexpected birthday gift. With a smile wide enough to fit a softball inside it, Ryan grabbed Tatum in a hug and jumped up and down. Later, when friends asked Ryan how he’d sprinted to Tatum so quickly, he explained that he’d benefited from a head start. After watching the final possession from the farthest spot on the right side of the baseline near the Celtics bench, he told them he had the most direct route of anyone not in the game. It was a wonder for Ryan to be there at all. Inside TD Garden. Next to his Celtics teammates. The team plays 200 miles away from the Yonkers, N.Y., cemetery where he worked a year ago. Read more here. (Photo: David Dow / NBAE via Getty Images) Jay King· GO FURTHER Celtics reserve Matt Ryan worked at a cemetery a year ago. Now he's in the NBA Finals. {{monthName}} {{day}}, {{year}} at {{hour12}}:{{minuteTwoDigit}} {{dayPeriod}} Lisa Salters returns to NBA Finals, after re-signing with ESPNIf you’re reading this column, you are likely familiar with Lisa Salters, given her work over the past 10 seasons on “Monday Night Football.” Though multiple play-by-play and analyst changes, Salters has been the on-air constant since 2012 on ESPN’s most important game property. While Salters has earned praise for her work on “Monday Night Football,” “Outside The Lines” and various E-60 projects, basketball is actually her biggest sports passion. Salters played basketball at Penn State University for two seasons, and has been part of NBA coverage on ESPN and ABC since 2005. Her NBA television role traditionally ended after the second round of the playoffs, as Doris Burke served as the sideline reporter for ESPN/ABC’s coverage of the conference finals and NBA Finals. That changes this year. Salters has the plum assignment of being the on-court reporter for the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics. The series will air exclusively on ABC, beginning with Game 1 tonight at 9 p.m. ET (All NBA Finals games will air on ABC, ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes and the ESPN App and Game 1 will include an ESPN2 alternate presentation called “NBA Finals: Celebrating 75.”) Read more here. (Photo: Jeff Chiu / AP) Richard Deitsch· Senior Writer, Sports Media GO FURTHER Lisa Salters has signed with ESPN for another four years. First stop: NBA Finals. |
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