The Boston Celtics are set to square off with the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals. The lengthy season is nearly at its end as the top two teams in the NBA remain. The phrase “defense wins championships” has once again been proven true.

In the regular season, the Celtics ranked first in defensive rating (106.2) and allowed the fewest points per game (103.9). Golden State was not far behind them ranking second in defensive rating (106.8) and fifth in points allowed (106.1). Each team has a complex defense that is sure to give their opponent challenges.

Golden State possesses a frightening offense but if any defense is up to the challenge it will be the Celtics. The dynamic trio of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole can strike fear into opponents' hearts and catch fire quickly. They share the ball effectively and led the NBA in assists as a team this season. The Warriors have won three championships in the past seven seasons and are in search of another. While they are certain to put up a fight, the Celtics are prepared for the challenge for these three reasons.

3 Reasons Celtics Will Beat Warriors To Win 2022 NBA Finals

Battle Tested

There is a real argument that no team has ever had a tougher path through the playoffs than the Boston Celtics. They first knocked off the Brooklyn Nets in the opening round. Despite the 44-38 record and 7th seed in the standings, the Nets remained the Eastern Conference favorites at the time of the matchup. The Celtics swept the squad led by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving without much trouble.

In the second round, the Celtics faced off against the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks. While the injury to Khris Middleton certainly hurt the Bucks, Boston had an impressive game plan on Giannis. They executed effectively and were able to stop a potential repeat in a seven-game series.

In the Conference Finals, the Celtics once again went to seven games. In a bloodbath matchup with the tenacious Miami Heat, the Celtics refused to lose and secured their chance at a championship. The franchise won in a variety of ways and came back from series deficits in each of the last two series. Boston has demonstrated a competitive attitude and has not been intimidated by any matchup. This will not change when facing the Warriors.

Robert Williams Matchup Issues

The Warriors have an effective overall defense but their rim protection could serve as an issue. Kevon Looney and Draymond Green hold the greatest responsibility in this area. With Draymond likely to step up and face Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, the task of matching up with Robert Williams will fall on Looney's shoulders.

While both Looney and Williams are listed at 6'9″, the Celtics big man possesses a verticality that is difficult to match. The Celtics like to use Williams as a lob threat out of the dunker spot. This has become a common play for Boston and forces opposing teams to hesitate to bring help defense. Even if Looney is in the picture, this will be a play that is difficult to guard. There are no easy adjustments for the Warriors as no player on their active roster is listed at over 6'9″. Every advantage matters in the postseason and the Celtics should be sure to make this a point of attack.

Marcus Smart vs Steph Curry

There is not much more that can be said about the elite play of Steph Curry. The two-time MVP is one of the most influential players in NBA history and still playing at a very high level. While the Warriors have many weapons, Steph Curry is at the center of everything they do. His off-ball movement and shooting gravity is key to opening up the entire offense. While no player is an ideal matchup for the superstar, Marcus Smart is about as good an option as a team can have.

When looking at the matchup history between the two, there is a reason for optimism for the Celtics. The reigning defensive Player of the Year has held Steph Curry to just 29% from the field when serving as the primary defender. According to Second Spectrum, the Warriors also have just an 85.0 offensive rating with Smart guarding Curry since Steve Kerr took over. This is the second-lowest among any qualified defenders.

It is impossible to fully throw Steph Curry off his game, but this level of defensive impact is impressive. If Marcus Smart can put forth this type of defensive effort, it increases the Celtics' chances greatly. The 28-year-old is certainly banged up with various injuries but is sure to leave it all on the line. He is the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics and will be as valuable as anyone in this upcoming series.