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While the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics were in a seven-game bloodbath to get to the Finals, the Golden State Warriors have been calmly waiting for their opponent. The NBA Finals are nothing new to the Warriors as this is their 6th finals trip in the past 8 seasons. After cruising past the Mavericks in five games, Golden State has made it clear they are ready to compete for another championship. Their impressive array of offense and deep roster makes them a difficult matchup for any team.
The Warriors will be set to face off with the Boston Celtics in the Finals. It will be an interesting blend of styles as the Celtics play some of the most impressive team-oriented defense across the NBA. This impressive Celtics defense will challenge the Warriors in a way they haven't seen in the postseason. Boston's array of scrappy and versatile defenders has been their recipe for success throughout the playoffs.
As both teams prepare to tip-off on Thursday for Game 1, here are three Warriors predictions.
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Warriors predictions for 2022 NBA Finals vs. Celtics
Steph Curry will win Finals MVP
Steph Curry has had one of the most accomplished careers in NBA history. Curry is a three-time NBA champion, two-time MVP, two-time scoring champion, 2021-22 All-Star MVP, and 8-time All-Star. Despite the three championships, Curry has been unable to secure a Finals MVP. With Kevin Durant winning two of the awards and Andre Iguodala taking the other, Curry's section of the trophy case remains empty.
This is set to change this year with Curry proving to be as crucial to the Warriors as ever before. Throughout the playoffs, Curry has averaged 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. He also is shooting 38% on three-pointers on 9.9 attempts per game. The Warriors superstar is as important as he ever has been to this team. The gravity he carries opens up everything for the team and Curry capitalizes with his elite off-ball movement. Steph has continued to prove why he is one of the greatest players of all time this postseason and capping it off with a Finals MVP would only be fitting.
Warriors win 2 games by 12+ points
The NBA Playoffs have been full of blowouts this year. The Celtics had an average margin of victory of 15.5 points in their four wins over the Heat. Expect this to change against the Warriors. While Boston possesses a dynamic defense, the Warriors will test them in a way they have not yet been tested. The Celtics have had a battle-tested path through the playoffs, but there is no offense quite like the Warriors.
The array of scoring options and advanced off-ball movement is what makes them difficult to guard. The Celtics received a ton of credit for their lock-down effort on the Heat, but Miami lacks top-tier scoring ability. The heroic offensive effort from Jimmy Butler was necessary for the Heat to stay in each game. Boston will be unable to put such a primary focus on any individual Warriors player and will struggle as a result. The Warriors are capable of blowing open a game quicker than any team in the NBA and to Celtics will be unable to produce at the same level.
Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole combine for 65+ three-pointers
The biggest area the Warriors should look to capitalize against the Celtics' defense is beyond the three-point arc. Boston has several impressive interior defenders who are able of making an impact. Guys like Robert Williams, Al Horford, and Grant Williams all protect the interior at a high level. The best solution for the Warriors is simply to shoot over its intimidating interior defense.
Marcus Smart is sure to make an impact, but the Celtics do not have enough perimeter defense to stick with the Warriors off the ball. Expect plenty of screens to be set on the perimeter with the Warriors shooters prepared for a catch-and-shoot. While this prediction somewhat depends on how many games the series goes, Golden State will confidently dominate the three-point battle. The trio of Curry, Poole, and Thompson averaged 28.6 three-point attempts per game in the regular season. This number has slipped down to 24.4 three-point attempts in the postseason.
Expect the Warriors to get back to what they do best and unleash this trio from deep. It is somewhat scary to think that as easily as the Warriors have coasted through the playoffs it feels as if there is more in the tank. Golden State has its sights set on another championship and is extremely close to making this a reality. This would be the first championship since the Kevin Durant led the team in 2018 and would certainly have to feel great for the franchise.
