As the NBA playoffs reach their apex, the anticipation for the 2022 NBA Finals intensifies. After a grueling season filled with thrilling matchups and standout performances, only two teams remain standing, poised to battle for basketball's ultimate prize. With legacies on the line and championship aspirations driving every possession, the stage is set for a clash of titans. Join us as we preview the upcoming NBA Finals, analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, and key matchups that will determine the fate of the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
NBA Finals Preview
Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors
The Boston Celtics finally got over the hump of reaching the NBA Finals with a Game 7 victory over the Miami Heat. They now face their toughest test yet in the rested and experienced Golden State Warriors. This is the 6th NBA Finals appearance for the Warriors in the last 8 years. This is the best matchup for basketball fans as it is a matchup between the best offense and best defense. It will be quite an intriguing series as the Celtics haven’t faced an offense as potent as the Warriors. On the other hand, the Warriors haven’t faced a defense as good as the Celtics in these playoffs.
The Celtics and Warriors split their season series 1-1, with both teams winning on the road. Here are some interesting stats from those 2 games: (Stats via Yahoo! Sports)
Golden State shot 94 3-pointers (28.7 3P%) to Boston's 86 (37 3P%). The Warriors created 83 open or wide-open 3-pointers and shot below 30% on them. The Celtics shot 38.9% on 72 open or wide-open 3s.
Boston scored 12 points (4-5 FG) off Golden State's nine live-ball turnovers. The Warriors scored 12 points (4-14 FG) off the Celtics' 17 live-ball turnovers. Boston outscored Golden State in transition, 22-20.
Boston held a slight advantage in rebounding percentage both defensively (75.2%-73.5%) and offensively (26.5%-24.8%), although Golden State still managed to edge the Celtics in second-chance points, 22-21.
Boston shot 80.6% on 31 field-goal attempts at the rim and scored 78 points in the paint. Golden State shot 73.9% on 23 field-goal attempts in the restricted area and scored 64 points in the paint. The Celtics also generated 37 free-throw attempts from field-goal attempts inside the 3-point line to the Warriors' 20.
If the Celtics can take care of the basketball, I find it hard to see them lose. Marcus Smart is the Defensive Player of the Year, along side Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Robert Williams, and Al Horford. This defense matches up very well with the Warriors and will push Golden State to their limits. Jayson Tatum has taken the leap to Superstar status and will continue to prove that on the big stage. The Celtics clearly had the toughest road to the Finals, but they have shown they aren’t hiding from the smoke. This will be an exciting Finals but the Boston Celtics will prevail in 6 and capture Banner 18.
Prediction: Celtics defeat Warriors in 6 games.
NBA Finals MVP: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics.
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