The Golden State Warriors were able to successfully bounce back following their disappointing Game 1 loss. The Dubs got back to the superstar team they are capable of being in a competitive two-sided effort. They secured a 107-88 victory in Game 2 to tie the series at one win apiece. The Warriors once again exploded in the third quarter and outscored the Celtics 35-14. This +21 point differential is the most in any quarter of the Finals in franchise history and helped build the lead to an insurmountable total.

 

While the Warriors succeeded in securing the must-win victory, they are still in a difficult spot. The two teams will head to Boston for back-to-back matchups. The Celtics have taken home court advantage following the Game 1 victory at Golden State. The Warriors must be sure to bring their best effort and find a way to secure a victory on the road in order to give themselves the best chance to secure the title.

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Golden State Warriors: 3 bold predictions for Game 3 of 2022 NBA Finals vs. Celtics

Steph Curry scores 35+ points

While it will take a team effort in the series, the Warriors are incredibly reliant on Steph Curry. The two-time MVP is arguably the best shooter of all time and the Warriors' offense rightfully runs through him. Curry has been impressive so far in the Finals. He tallied 34 points in Game 1 and 29 in the second matchup. As the Warriors travel to enemy territory, the team may need even more from their superstar.

The supporting cast around Steph Curry has failed to connect at an efficient rate and they have needed his production thus far. Look for Curry to stay in attack mode and tally 35+ points in the Game 3 matchup. As impressive as the Celtics' defense is, Curry’s individual skill continues to provide him with an advantage. He has done a great job attacking switches when given the chance on Al Horford and Robert Williams. Curry is also an impressive 12 for 26 (36.2%) from beyond the arc thus far in the series. The Warriors will need his offensive production and expect the superstar to deliver.

Klay Thompson Hits 4 three-pointers

Steph Curry has dazzled thus far in the series, but this has not been the case with Klay Thompson. The 32-year-old scored 17 points in Game 1 and 11 points in Game 2. While the point totals are not ideal, it is the lack of effecting that has been especially concerning. Thompson was 4 for 19 from the field and just 1 of 8 on three-point attempts. The 5-time all-star had several opportunities for good looks but was unable to capitalize in the matchup.

As poor as he has shot, Klay Thompson is too good of a shooter for this to continue forever. The Warriors have not been shy about continuing to call plays for him, and he is sure to deliver soon. Look for Klay Thompson to snap out of the cold spell in Game 3 and give the Warriors a necessary offensive boost. Even with the recent struggles, Thompson is shooting 38.6% on three-pointers this postseason which is slightly below his career 41.0% postseason average. The veteran will continue to let the shots fly and connecting on four three-points is a comfortable goal for the sniper.

Warriors hold Tatum and Brown to under 40 combined points

The Warriors are often recognized for their explosive offense, but this should not take away from the impressive defensive effort the team puts out. Golden State ranked second in defensive rating during the regular season trailing only the Celtics in this category. The increase in defensive intensity was a massive reason for the team’s success in Game 2. The Warriors held the Celtics to just 88 total points and just 38 points in the second half of Game 2.

You cannot get far when defending the Celtics without focusing on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Warriors have done a solid job so far but cannot afford to take their foot off the gas. The duo combined for 36 points in Game 1 and 45 points in Game 2. Andrew Wiggins deserves an immense amount of credit for the job he has done guarding Jayson Tatum. While the 28 points he tallied in Game 2 popped more on the score sheet, Wiggins has continued to make life difficult for Boston’s superstar.

Expect this focus to continue in Game 3 and for the Warriors to look to cut their scoring totals down even further. If Golden State can keep the Celtics’ superstars in check it provides a great outlook for their chance to win the game. The Warriors must continue to make the defensive end of the court a point of emphasis and this starts with shutting down Tatum and Brown.