The Boston Celtics find themselves in a difficult position. After a strong start to the NBA Finals, the Celtics now trail the series 3-2. It was a poor performance from the Celtics in Game 5. They began the game going 0-12 on three-point attempts which set the record for most consecutive missed three-pointers and the greatest number of missed threes to start a game in NBA Finals history.
While Boston was able to show a spark coming out of halftime and climb back into the game, the Warriors managed to secure the win. In 334 total playoff series, only 54 have come back from down 3-2 in the series (16.2%). It has only happened nine times in the NBA Finals with the most recent time being the 2016 Cavaliers against the Warriors. While this obviously is not an ideal spot to be in, you cannot count the Celtics out yet. As Game 6 approaches here are three bold predictions for what to expect.
Boston Celtics: 3 bold predictions for Game 6 of 2022 NBA Finals vs. Warriors
1. Derrick White Scores 10+ Points
Since being traded to the Celtics midseason, Derrick White has become an increasingly important part of the team. The veteran is a high-IQ player who is comfortable playing within his role. He has become an increasingly important part of the roster and a crucial member of the bench unit. White had his worst playoff performance of the postseason in Game 5, tallying one point, three assists, one rebound, and one steal in 21 minutes of play. He was 0-3 on three-point attempts and 0-4 from the field overall. All three of White's three-point attempts were wide open too.
Over the 22 games Derrick White has played in these playoffs he has averaged 8.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. During the five games of the Finals, White has scored 12 or more points in three games. The 27-year-old had an especially impressive performance in Game 1 where he poured in 21 points.
Every NBA player must have short-term memory. Derrick White is no different and will come in with a clean mindset in Game 6. Expect him to return to the valuable member of the bench unit he has proven to be and produce for the Celtics. This will be highlighted by scoring more than 10 points and his impact is sure to go beyond this.
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Jayson Tatum will score 30+ points
It has been an interesting NBA Finals for Jayson Tatum. The Warriors have done an excellent job defensively on the Celtics' superstar and kept him under 30 points in each game. Tatum has done a great job making the proper reads and helping the team but has been unable to dominate in the way many have hoped.
While it is important to make the right plays, the Celtics must go down swinging with their superstar. Tatum will be looked at to step up to the plate. Boston has a team-oriented system but is very reliant on the production of Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the offensive end. This season has been an excellent step in Tatum's evolution into a true NBA superstar. He averaged a career-high 26.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in the regular season.
During the postseason Tatum has averaged 26.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. The growth he has shown as a passer has also been an impressive step this season. While the well-rounded growth in his game is notable, Tatum must take the reigns as a lead scorer. Expect him to tap into his Mamba Mentality and secure his eighth 30+ point game of the postseason.
In order to do this, he is going to have to be much better, especially in the fourth quarter.
Jayson Tatum is shooting 5-21 (23.8%) in the 4Q this Finals. pic.twitter.com/EtLOfoSEJF
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 14, 2022
The Game 5 loss was certainly a tough blow, but this series should not be considered over. The length and size of Boston have caused issues for Golden State throughout the series and the Celtics must capitalize on this. Look for Boston to get back to what they do best and clean up the fixable mistakes that have caused the losses.
Celtics Force a Game 7
If you had only watched Game 1 of the series, you would be shocked at the current situation the Celtics are in. Boston outscored the Warriors 40-16 in the fourth quarter of Game 1. The Celtics play a connected style of defense which impresses due to their lengthy athletic players. The Warriors have such an impressive offense, but the Celtics need to find a way to do their work defensively. They have found success in spurts but must find a way to impose themselves for 48 minutes.
When the unit is operating at its best it can suffocate an opposing team. The Celtics must get back to their identity of switchable and versatile defense in Game 6. With the home crowd behind them and their backs against the wall, this will be the difference in the game's outcome. Boston must win the game on the defensive side of the ball and they are capable of doing just this.
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