2022 NBA Finals | (3) GSW VS. (2) BOS (TIED 1-1)

[DonaldSanders]

Game 3 might be the game of the year: both teams are going to come out hungry & the Celtics with adjustments to the Warriors Game 2 adjustments. These are 2 titan teams with high level defense, I think it is a joy to watch. The coaching chess match might be one of the most exciting I've seen in a Finals, Kerr busted out heavy P&R and negated Horford, I'm interested in seeing Udoka's punch back. Should be an amazing game!

And watch out if Klay can catch fire, for all the flack he is getting I still believe he can have a monster game. Klay doesn't need to play big minutes when he is off though. I hope we lean into more defensive focused lineups if Klay is not clicking, when GPII is in our defense just looks so suffocating, demoralizing, and exhausting to deal with.

It's funny to hear the Celtics fans talk about needing to limit turnovers, it's basically the same issue the Warriors have often had. In certain ways these teams mirror each other.

[BoatsNZones]

Celtics were not ready for GPII. The dog days of summer are here Boston.


Looks like Iguodala is officially out for the count and calling it a career though. Crazy that he took the team on his back and carried them to a title as Finals MVP just 7 years ago.

[PizzaSteve]

great adjustments by warriors in game 2. draymond green such a key and elite impact player despite how terrible he is as a scorer and shooter. totally locked down anyone and everyone he was assigned to on boston and clearly got in their head.

absolute lockdown defense against boston in the second half and both brown and tatum were helpless, not to mention how awful smart, horford and the role players were too.

will be tough to see how it plays out at boston. hard to imagine warriors role players like poole, porter, klay etc playing a lot better on the road but it could happen.

still a pick 'em series.

Fine post, but Klay is a role player? Where have you been? I know with half a season, and lost year to injury that he wasnt an all star this year, but as a 3x NBA champ, 6x NBA Finals starter, future HOFer, half of the considered greatest shooting back court ever, max contract type guy it seems a big odd to list him. Role players to me are GP2, Porter, Bella, etc. Next we'll be calling Brown a role player, as his role is to score or something.

[BoatsNZones]

great adjustments by warriors in game 2. draymond green such a key and elite impact player despite how terrible he is as a scorer and shooter. totally locked down anyone and everyone he was assigned to on boston and clearly got in their head.

absolute lockdown defense against boston in the second half and both brown and tatum were helpless, not to mention how awful smart, horford and the role players were too.

will be tough to see how it plays out at boston. hard to imagine warriors role players like poole, porter, klay etc playing a lot better on the road but it could happen.

still a pick 'em series.

Fine post, but Klay is a role player? Where have you been? I know with half a season, and lost yewr to injury that he wasnt an all star this year, but as a 3x NBA champ, 6x NBA Finals starter, future HOFer, max contract type guy it seems odd to list him with guys we picked up that any team could have signed.

I think I brought this up earlier, but it's not out of bounds to call Klay a role player at this point of his career. He's a Warriors legend, but he can't realistically be counted on for offense or defense currently. It is what it is. Hopefully after a strong summer workout he will be back closer to normal for another finals run.

[PizzaSteve]

great adjustments by warriors in game 2. draymond green such a key and elite impact player despite how terrible he is as a scorer and shooter. totally locked down anyone and everyone he was assigned to on boston and clearly got in their head.

absolute lockdown defense against boston in the second half and both brown and tatum were helpless, not to mention how awful smart, horford and the role players were too.

will be tough to see how it plays out at boston. hard to imagine warriors role players like poole, porter, klay etc playing a lot better on the road but it could happen.

still a pick 'em series.

Fine post, but Klay is a role player? Where have you been? I know with half a season, and lost yewr to injury that he wasnt an all star this year, but as a 3x NBA champ, 6x NBA Finals starter, future HOFer, max contract type guy it seems odd to list him with guys we picked up that any team could have signed.

I think I brought this up earlier, but it's not out of bounds to call Klay a role player at this point of his career. He's a Warriors legend, but he can't realistically be counted on for offense or defense currently. It is what it is. Hopefully after a strong summer workout he will be back closer to normal for another finals run.

While he is not playing at superstar level, I think it is insulting to call any starter a role player. He has been fine. Some off shooting nights, but game 2 his defense was quite good and his decisions fine, just off shooting, which btw, both celtics stars also had trouble with. Perhaps defensive intensity and fatigue has impacted players? Performance levels and role are two different things. Curry has not shot as well this year either, but his role is clearly the same. His performances excellent.

Anway no insult to you or the well intended other post. Just that a role player to me is not where he is. He is not a sub in for a 3pt shot guy, he is starting and expected to score and defend, regardless of success doing so, IMHO. His gravity on offense, even when shooting poorly, is absolutely essential to the GS game plan, Poole as well, in that spot.

[al bondiga]

I don't know which team had more capacity to end you whenever they wanted... kd Warriors or this one?

[BoatsNZones]

Fine post, but Klay is a role player? Where have you been? I know with half a season, and lost yewr to injury that he wasnt an all star this year, but as a 3x NBA champ, 6x NBA Finals starter, future HOFer, max contract type guy it seems odd to list him with guys we picked up that any team could have signed.

I think I brought this up earlier, but it's not out of bounds to call Klay a role player at this point of his career. He's a Warriors legend, but he can't realistically be counted on for offense or defense currently. It is what it is. Hopefully after a strong summer workout he will be back closer to normal for another finals run.

While he is not playing at superstar level, I think it is insulting to call any starter a role player. He has been fine. Some off shooting nights, but game 2 his defense was quite good and his decisions fine, just off shooting, which btw, both celtics stars also had trouble with. Perhaps defensive intensity and fatigue has impacted players? Performance levels and role are two different things. Curry has not shot as well this year either, but his role is clearly the same. His performances excellent.

Anway no insult to you or the well intended other post. Just that a role player to me is not where he is. He is not a sub in for a 3pt shot guy, he is starting and expected to score and defend, regardless of success doing so, IMHO. His gravity on offense, even when shooting poorly, is absolutely essential to the GS game plan, Poole as well, in that spot.

I mean I don't agree that it's insulting to call a starter a role player, so that's probably where we're missing each other here. Most role players are starters imo.

That said, he has been tremendously terrible in the first two games, and it's OK to recognize that as well lol. He's Klay, so he will have 1-2 great games I hope.

[Castle Black]

Boston has been far worse at home than on the road. The Warriors will definitely win at least one there, and could easily win both.

Celtics 3-point shooting basically has to go god-mode for them to beat the warriors, similar to what they did in Game 1. Otherwise they just don’t have the offensive firepower to hang with those guys.

[Potential_64]

Is HCA in the playoffs overrated? I think it helps teams gain momentum faster, but also increases the pressure in tight situations

[michaelm]

great adjustments by warriors in game 2. draymond green such a key and elite impact player despite how terrible he is as a scorer and shooter. totally locked down anyone and everyone he was assigned to on boston and clearly got in their head.

absolute lockdown defense against boston in the second half and both brown and tatum were helpless, not to mention how awful smart, horford and the role players were too.

will be tough to see how it plays out at boston. hard to imagine warriors role players like poole, porter, klay etc playing a lot better on the road but it could happen.

still a pick 'em series.

Thompson and OPJ are hardly role players in terms of their caliber as players, Thompson is a 3 time title winner, OPJ was also a highly elite player, they are in their current situations because of injury. Many GSW fans are of the opinion Klay should be a role player coming off the bench at this stage in his recovery and he didn't play particularly well in the most recent game on his home court anyway, but both players are hardly likely to be overawed by the occasion/dependent on home court for performance.

I would also If I was a Celtics fan be hoping Kerr continues to regard Poole as a role player/6th man who is behind Klay in the rotation, because he performs much better when he starts and spends major minutes playing next to Curry.

[BayArea408415]

I'd be pretty happy if Tatum continues to struggle to the tune of 28 points on 62 TS% in three quarters of play.
Tatum actually got by Wiggins pretty easily. The Dubs defender that gave him trouble was weirdly enough Bjelica.
https://webm.red/view/KjZQ.webm

Didn't Tatum shoot fairly medicore from midrange and the paint relative to his 3 point shooting in Game 2?

[Coxy]

I don't know which team had more capacity to end you whenever they wanted... kd Warriors or this one?

KD Warriors easily. Curry/Klay/Iguodala/Durant/Green could possibly be the best prime lineup of all-time.

[cdubbz]

Is HCA in the playoffs overrated? I think it helps teams gain momentum faster, but also increases the pressure in tight situations

I feel HCA isn’t overrated but for outside the game things. players aren’t traveling and in hotels. They get to sleep in their own homes and be with family. They’re naturally more comfortable. Imagine flying 5ish hours to stay at a hotel and prepare for games. I’d imagine it be uncomfortable on the road just a bit.

I think HCA is overrated for the fans though.

[GotDaSauce]

Is Tatum's -36 an NBA Finals record?

Genuine question.

Who cares really? He was obviously not the worse player on the court last night thanks to Al and Smart.
Shows how useless those stats are in a 1 game sample.

Does it say more about Tatum or more about Andrew Wiggins?

Isn't it weird that Doncic followed a great Suns series performance with a rough Warrior's series? Fans are way slow in recognizing defensive dominance.

I'm willing to bet that IF Tatum continues to have a rough finals, it will all be about how he was awful....and zero about another great Wiggins defensive performance.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=andrew+wiggins+defense+highlights&docid=20705624148887&mid=74A0A42AA61ADF84B4A174A0A42AA61ADF84B4A1&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

[nikster]

Who cares really? He was obviously not the worse player on the court last night thanks to Al and Smart.
Shows how useless those stats are in a 1 game sample.

Does it say more about Tatum or more about Andrew Wiggins?

Isn't it weird that Doncic followed a great Suns series performance with a rough Warrior's series? Fans are way slow in recognizing defensive dominance.

I'm willing to bet that IF Tatum continues to have a rough finals, it will all be about how he was awful....and zero about another great Wiggins defensive performance.

I'd be pretty happy if Tatum continues to struggle to the tune of 28 points on 62 TS% in three quarters of play.
Tatum actually got by Wiggins pretty easily. The Dubs defender that gave him trouble was weirdly enough Bjelica.
https://webm.red/view/KjZQ.webm

Tatum got a lot of his points hitting tough stpe back 3s that I don't think is sustainable. They forced him into tough shots all series and he hasn't been able to get anything going inside the paint

[PizzaSteve]

[streamable][/streamable]

great adjustments by warriors in game 2. draymond green such a key and elite impact player despite how terrible he is as a scorer and shooter. totally locked down anyone and everyone he was assigned to on boston and clearly got in their head.

absolute lockdown defense against boston in the second half and both brown and tatum were helpless, not to mention how awful smart, horford and the role players were too.

will be tough to see how it plays out at boston. hard to imagine warriors role players like poole, porter, klay etc playing a lot better on the road but it could happen.

still a pick 'em series.

Thompson and OPJ are hardly role players in terms of their caliber as players, Thompson is a 3 time title winner, OPJ was also a highly elite player, they are in their current situations because of injury. Many GSW fans are of the opinion Klay should be a role player coming off the bench at this stage in his recovery and he didn't play particularly well in the most recent game on his home court anyway, but both players are hardly likely to be overawed by the occasion/dependent on home court for performance.

I would also If I was a Celtics fan be hoping Kerr continues to regard Poole as a role player/6th man who is behind Klay in the rotation, because he performs much better when he starts and spends major minutes playing next to Curry.

I think we are in agreement, because in context the original quote was speaking for the 'assumption' that 'role players' are the type of player that doesnt play as well on the road, due to the pressure, whereas 'stars' travel. In this case, Klay has a history of being able to rise to the occasion in big games on the road, at OKC, at Houston, in finals, etc. He may be pressing a bit recently, hunting shots, but also I see good decisions on defense, passing, etc. and wouldnt expect a better or worse performance on the road in the playoffs, due to his experience in big games. Will his legs and shooting fail to hold up in a short season, after 2 years out? Quite possible, but, as mentioned by some analysts, the Celts are defending him like he is Klay, all star, and his running around to spots still causes opponent fatigue, so while so his gravity is not Curry level, it is still opening the floor for Poole, Wiggins and others.

[Loaded_Hollows]

That's actually wild KD and Kyrie were shut down as hard as they were against this defense in the 1st round. Curry really is levels ahead. He's averaging 32/5/5 on a 62% TS with just 4 total turnovers in two games. Didn't even play a minute in the 4th last night. They have no answer.

Voters:

That’s great and all…..but how bout that Wiggins defense. Wiggins for finals mvp!!!

[Miami_Lux]

great adjustments by warriors in game 2. draymond green such a key and elite impact player despite how terrible he is as a scorer and shooter. totally locked down anyone and everyone he was assigned to on boston and clearly got in their head.

absolute lockdown defense against boston in the second half and both brown and tatum were helpless, not to mention how awful smart, horford and the role players were too.

will be tough to see how it plays out at boston. hard to imagine warriors role players like poole, porter, klay etc playing a lot better on the road but it could happen.

still a pick 'em series.

Thompson and OPJ are hardly role players in terms of their caliber as players, Thompson is a 3 time title winner, OPJ was also a highly elite player, they are in their current situations because of injury. Many GSW fans are of the opinion Klay should be a role player coming off the bench at this stage in his recovery and he didn't play particularly well in the most recent game on his home court anyway, but both players are hardly likely to be overawed by the occasion/dependent on home court for performance.

I would also If I was a Celtics fan be hoping Kerr continues to regard Poole as a role player/6th man who is behind Klay in the rotation, because he performs much better when he starts and spends major minutes playing next to Curry.

If Otto Porter Jr is not a role-player I don t know who is. Guy is averaging 10.6 PPG for his career.

[jfs1000d]

Who cares really? He was obviously not the worse player on the court last night thanks to Al and Smart.
Shows how useless those stats are in a 1 game sample.

Does it say more about Tatum or more about Andrew Wiggins?

Isn't it weird that Doncic followed a great Suns series performance with a rough Warrior's series? Fans are way slow in recognizing defensive dominance.

I'm willing to bet that IF Tatum continues to have a rough finals, it will all be about how he was awful....and zero about another great Wiggins defensive performance.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=andrew+wiggins+defense+highlights&docid=20705624148887&mid=74A0A42AA61ADF84B4A174A0A42AA61ADF84B4A1&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

Wiggins barely guarded Tatum. They switched Curry on him. Lol.

[jfs1000d]

A lot of bad takes in this thread. LOL.

We'll see what happens game 3. One of my favorite part about NBA finals is how fans actually never watch the other team because of time zones.