Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors have no problem playing on the road. The Celtics, on the other hand, haven’t been very intimidating in Boston during these playoffs.
The NBA Finals move to the TD Garden this Wednesday for Game 3, with the series tied 1-1. In theory, the Celtics have the edge, but recent numbers suggest otherwise.
Boston is 5-4 at home and 8-3 on the road in the postseason.
The Warriors, on the other hand, have won at least one road game in 26 straight postseason series.
“We always know how to find a way to win games no matter the style, high points, low points, defensive battle, points fight, whatever,” Golden State guard Stephen Curry said. “We found another level of determination, the ability to find a way to get it done.”
The previous 39 times that teams have split wins in the first two games of the Finals, the winner of Game 3 has taken the series 82.1% of the time (32-7).
“I think with their experience in the postseason, our guys understand the importance of not letting their guard down in the first game (on the road) in the playoffs,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.
The Warriors rediscovered their defensive strength to win Game 2, holding Boston to a postseason-low 88 points.
They forced 19 Celtics turnovers. Boston is 1-5 in the postseason when it has 16 or more turnovers; with 15 or less he is 12-2.
“Not being forced at times, but also penetrating too much. We have to follow the plays and be consistent in the area”.
NO WORRY
Klay Thompson doesn’t want anyone to worry about him.
The Warriors shooter has struggled in this series, shooting 10 of 33 from the field and 4 of 15 from 3-point range.
But he trusts that his routine and history will wake him up from his latest slumber. That and seeing some of his previous best plays.
“That’s the beauty of playing today. You can go on YouTube and see all your great moments,” she stated.
INJURIES
Kerr said Andre Iguodala, who missed Game 2 with right knee inflammation, is a doubt for Game 3. Iguodala played just 12 minutes in the opening game.
It was their first game since the opening-round playoff series against Denver.
With Boston, Robert Williams III is on his way back after Smart inadvertently fell on his operated left knee in the third quarter of Game 2. Williams has had to adjust his form after playing just 10 weeks after undergoing surgery.