I must say that I did not expect Golden State to win the way they did. Steph Curry, who has been sizzling all finals long, goes 0-9 from the 3-point line, 7/22 from the field, 1 turnover, and only 156 points, but the Warriors still dominated the Celtics for 3/4 quarters. It completely goes against all logic and form from this series. And that is why the Warriors are, in all likelihood, going to get this 7th title over the line.
Moments and games like the Warriors have had in Games 4 and 5 are what separates the champions from the runners up. In Game 4, Steph Curry carried the Warriors on his back with 43-points to win a crucial road game and tie the series at 2-2. Then, only one game later, Steph Curry shoots 22.5% collectively on field goals and 3-point shots, only scores 16-points, and the Warriors still win by 10.
It just does not make sense, which is why it makes perfect sense that the Warriors are in all likelihood the 2022 NBA champions elect. This is just what champions do. Win when it seems unlikely and illogical. Not only did the secondary scoring (something I have been saying the Warriors have lacked all series long) show up, but they thrived tonight. Andrew Wiggins had his breakout game with 26-points and 12 rebounds. He was unplayable.
Jordan Poole shot 50% from the 3-point line and the field to have 14 points and have the game-changing three-point shot made from 30 feet out. Klay Thompson had arguably his best game of the series with 5 threes and 21 points. And Draymond Green silenced all his critics (me included) to have 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. The secondary scoring covered for Steph and more.
Game 6 in Boston is not a must win for the Warriors, though it would certainly be nice. Getting a chance to lift the NBA championship in the faces of the rowdy Boston faithful is what fuels each and every player’s competitive drive. The Warriors are no different. In truth, even if Boston wins Game 6 at home (which I am predicting they will), the Warriors just proved they can win with Steph and without him.
If Steph and the secondary scorers are on it for Games 6 and potentially 7, then the series is over. This Warriors dynasty will win its long-coveted 4th title, and the 7th overall for the franchise.
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