The Golden State Warriors were run off their home floor in the fourth quarter of their Game 1 loss to the Boston Celtics. They were not about to let that happen again in Game 2. Literally, they did not even give the Celtics a chance at a fourth quarter comeback, essentially ending the game after a historic third quarter performance.

Entering the second half, Golden State found themselves in a dog fight, leading 52-50. But the team that owns the third quarter in the NBA, did it again Sunday night. The Warriors outscored the Celtics 35-14, building an insurmountable 23-point lead into the fourth.

According to ESPN Stats & Info, the +21 point margin is the largest for any Warriors team in NBA Finals history.

Related NewsArticle continues below
3 trades Warriors must make to win 2026 NBA title with Stephen Curry
3 trades Warriors must make to win 2026 NBA title with Stephen Curry
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) on the court during the overtime period at Chase Center.
Rumor: Why a Warriors-Celtics Derrick White trade is unlikely

Stephen Curry scored 14 of his game-high 29 points in the third. Jordan Poole finished off the quarter sinking a historic 39-foot shot from near half court at the buzzer.

As good as the Warriors were on offense, they were even better defensively. They held Boston to just four made baskets, and forced them to turn the ball over five times.

The defensive intensity Golden State brought into the must-win Game 2 was one of the big differences. They held the Celtics to a playoff low 88 points on just 37 percent shooting. Boston committed 18 turnovers, which Golden State turned into 33 points. When Boston turned it over, the Warriors took advantage out on the break. That created easier offense where they didn't have to go against the Celtics' vaunted half-court defense.

Meanwhile, the Warriors did an excellent job taking care of the basketball themselves with just 12 turnovers. Game 3 is Wednesday night in Boston.