It was an all-out duel from start to finish as the Celtics held off the Warriors 116-100 in Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Finals.
The Warriors were unable to contain the Celtics on Wednesday, with Boston outrebounding (47-31) and outscoring the Dubs in the paint (52-26). And while the Warriors attempted a second half comeback, it was not enough to overcome the Celtics in Game 3 of the best-of-seven series.
TEAM LEADERS
TOUGH BATTLE IN BOSTON
Though the Dubs trailed by as many as 18 points in the first half, the squad made a swing in third quarter to bring the game within striking distance and even take their first lead of the night (83-82) since the opening possession. However, the Celtics held the Dubs off and took control of the contest in the fourth quarter, allowing the Warriors just 11 points in the final frame. Four Warriors scratched double-figures with Andrew Wiggins producing 18 points and seven rebounds and Jordan Poole adding 10 points to the feat.
THIRD QUARTER THUNDER
The Warriors continued their trend of third quarter tirades, using a 12-0 run to crawl their way out of a double digit deficit and battle it out in the third period. The Dubs’ third frame frenzy was defined by a seven-point play led by Stephen Curry. At the 5:06 mark of the quarter, Curry sank a 3-point splash as Celtics’ Al Horford picked up a flagrant 1 foul. The call resulted in a successful four-point play by Curry, and as the Dubs regained possession, Otto Porter Jr. drained another perimeter jumper to bring the game within two points.
CURRY’S THIRD FRAME FIRE
Along with his four-point play completion, Curry led the Warriors’ scoring effort in Game 3, particularly in the third quarter. The sharpshooter sank back-to-back 3-pointers in a 31-second span in the opening minutes of the the third frame, splashing four of his six 3-pointers in the period. Arguably, Curry’s biggest trey of the night came at the 3:45 mark of the third quarter which handed the Dubs their first lead of the night since the opening possession. Curry produced 15 of his game-high 31 points in the third quarter, shooting 54.5 percent from the field (12-for-22) and from 3-point range (6-for-11).
THOMPSON’S SERIES-HIGH NIGHT
Klay Thompson finished with a 2022 Finals series-high 25 points, shooting 7-for-17 (41.2 percent) from the field and 5-for-13 (38.5 percent) form 3-point range. The Splash Brother took flight in the second quarter, tallying 10 points in the period and 15 points in the first half. Thompson sank two of his five splashes in the second frame, with the guard becoming the second player in NBA history to record five-plus NBA Finals games with five-or-more 3-pointers.
2022 NBA FINALS CONTINUE
The Warriors slip 2-1 in the 2022 NBA Finals as the squad look ahead to facing off against the Celtics for Game 4 of the best-of-seven series on Friday. Dub Nation is invited to Chase Center for the Game 4 Watch Party, presented by Chase, on Friday night. Tickets required for the event and all Watch Party tickets grant free rides on MUNI on your event day. » Buy Tickets | Event Info
More Notables:
- The Warriors are now 13-6 overall during the 2022 Playoffs.
- Golden State fell to 3-5 on the road during the current postseason, tonight marked the team’s second-consecutive road loss.
- Kevon Looney played in his 101st game of the season (regular season and playoffs), most by any player this season.
- Draymond Green recorded his 200th-career postseason block, becoming the fifth player in NBA Playoff history to record at least 200 blocks and 200 steals.