“It happens from time to time,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr said before the game. “The players have a very keen eye for that. »
The rim was quickly lowered to its proper height of 10 feet, but that didn’t seem to help. Golden State got off to a rough start, missing 11 of its first 15 field goal attempts as Boston took a 24-9 lead. Worse still, Curry committed two early fouls.
If there were any concerns for the Celtics, it was in the form of Tatum’s right shoulder, which he first injured in the Eastern Conference Finals once morest Miami. On Wednesday, he was grimacing in pain following committing a foul during a first training session.
But his 3 points midway through the second quarter pushed the Celtics to 18 points. Boston shot 57.4% from the field to take a 68-56 halftime lead.
All eyes, however, were on the start of the second half. In Games 1 and 2, Golden State had dominated both third quarters, edging Boston by a total of 35 points. The third quarter was particularly problematic for the Celtics in Game 2, when they shot 4 of 17 from the field, committed five turnovers and were outscored, 35-14. A tight game quickly turned into a rout.
On Wednesday, Golden State trailed by 9 points when the team summoned some more magic in the third quarter. Curry made 3-point contact and absorbed for good measure when the Celtics’ Al Horford slipped under him. It was ruled a flagrant-1 foul, which meant Golden State would retain possession following a free throw.
