After starting the series 1-0, the Boston Celtics are in a tough situation heading into Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Finals. Now down 2-3 to the Golden State Warriors, the Celtics have allowed the Dubs a chance to win the title Thursday night in Boston.
The Celtics lost both of the last two games and haven't broken reached triple-digits since Game 3. Despite the odds stacked against them, hope isn't lost for the Celtics. The team has what it takes to win Game 6, especially with the Warriors' individual inconsistency. Here are the three reasons that Boston will force the 2022 NBA Finals to seven games.
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3 Reasons the Celtics Will Force Game 7 vs. Warriors
3. Warriors' flaws
Throughout this series, every starter on the Warriors has had great nights. However, almost all of them have also had detrimental off nights.
Klay Thompson has been struggling to get comfortable in the Splash Zone throughout the majority of the series. Draymond Green has averaged five points in the 2022 NBA Finals so far, often picking up more fouls than points. Stephen Curry struggled in Game 5, recording zero three-pointers for the first time in 233 games. His streak dated back to November of 2018.
If any of these three starters don't show up for Game 6, it's going to give the Celtics a huge advantage.
Click here for the odds for the Celtics vs Warriors Game 6, courtesy of FanDuel.
2. Versatility of Marcus Smart
Most of the Celtics starters have been solid and consistent in the 2022 NBA Finals. However, it's safe to say that one of the most important pieces in the starting five is Marcus Smart. Despite an off night in Game 2, he's been extremely productive on both sides of the ball.
The DPOY has averaged 16.4 points so far in the Finals, along with 1.4 steals. Smart is also spending a lot more time on the court than he did at the beginning of the series. He played ten more minutes in Game 5 and 6 than he did in Game 1, giving him more influence on the game.
His versatility and skillset on both offense and defense are crucial to the Celtics winning a championship this year. If Smart continues his stellar postseason outing, he'll give the Celtics a great chance at forcing Game 7.
1. The passion of Celtics fans
Fortunately for the Celtics, Game 6 is in Boston. They will have the comfortability of home court, along with the intimidation of their fans. Celtics fans are arguably the most ruthless in all the NBA, and they aren't afraid to give their team some tough love.
Having the fans present there will drive the Celtics to play to the peak of their abilities and force Game 7. Then, they'll have to figure out how to bring their fans' passion to San Francisco with them to win the championship.
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