Here we are ! Tonight, the 2022 NBA Finals between the Warriors and the Celtics will begin at Chase Center. And as always before the start of a series, the editorial staff of TrashTalk gets wet by giving its predictions to pass for Hexperts (or gourds) in two weeks. So, do you see Golden State or rather Boston?
Nicolas M.
Sometimes, we can turn the problem around, but we still struggle to choose between the two finalists. One day it’s one, the next day it’s the other. This poster between Golden State and Boston has that effect on me. “Go ahead, I put Boston because it’s too strong in defense and it will disrupt Golden State”, “yeah but in fact nah I put GS for experience and home field advantage”, “although the Celtics respond well to adversity anyway”… This is the kind of pattern that has been going around in my head for a few days. But you have to decide at some point, so let’s go to the Greens. Why the Celtics when they have a knack for complicating their lives? Because physically and defensively it will hurt Golden State, provided the referees do not have the whistle too easy. There are obviously plenty of other aspects to this series that might turn this series around, but I feel like Boston – with its army of strong, versatile defenders – is just the perfect team to take down the game. tape to Stephen Curry. Experience has taught me to bet on hard and athletic defenses in this kind of series, so I say Boston. In six? In seven? I do not know at allbut there will soon be an 18th banner at the top of the TD Garden.
Alexandre T.
The return of the Warriors dynasty on one side, the Celtics’ eighteenth banner on the other. Two great stories for two great teams, but you have to know how to make a choice and sometimes get wet. On paper, it’s hard not to give the advantage to Golden State: home field advantage, experience, experience of the NBA Finals, a group that knows each other inside out, all led by a top-notch tactician. Still, I have this feeling that this is Boston’s year. This fantastic rise in the standings, this accumulated confidence, this hatred of defeat in the Playoffs, there is something with this group that sweats the NBA champion. More than just a feeling, the Celtics have the weapons to hinder the Dubs a lot in this series. No disrespect for Denver, Memphis and Dallas, but Boston’s defense is a cut above and it promises complicated matchups for the Warriors, especially for their leaders. Inside, I think the Celtics can also hurt as they can sanction by playing big but also adapt to the smaller lineups put in place by Steve Kerr (Al Horford should be key in this series). The duel will be close, several games will probably be played at nothing but I believe that Boston can validate the case at home in Game 6. Victoire 4-2 Celtics.
Nicolas V.
The Warriors are in the NBA Finals, the feeling is incredible because we have the impression of being back in 2015, the prime of the 2010s. However, we are well in 2022. The Celtics who challenge the Warriors want to win at all costs their first ring in fourteen years. We are going to feast like kings, why? The two teams that will give it to each other have a very particular style of play, as effective as it is spectacular. Clear advantage to the Warriors in terms of experience, but these C’s have shown once morest very tough opponents that they have the trunk to overcome any test. The most anticipated duel of this series in my opinion? Ime Udoka versus Steve Kerr. The first is a rookie at the post of head coach, but he is fearless and has already shown all his ability to adapt in the middle of a match. Steve Kerr is the king of the small ball, watch out for the deluge if the address is present. The difference will be mainly in physical form, I don’t see how the Celtics might compete with Warriors who are too rested in comparison. Two Game 7 in a row, it’s still tiring huh. 2-0 before leaving for Boston, 3-1 on the way back, and finishing at home in front of a white-hot Chase Center. 4-1 Warriors !
Clément
A clash of styles? Not that much… The Warriors will shoot 2km from the basket, but the Celtics are also capable of catching fire from anywhere. Boston is also a fortress in defense, but in the Bay too, we know how to take out the barbed wire when necessary. Stephen Curry certainly, but Marcus Smart. Jayson Tatum certainly, but Andrew Wiggins. Among the C’s, we want to win a title that has been fleeing Massachusetts since 2008, while GS wants to revive a dynasty that has been more than heckled in recent years. So many unknowns that lead me to think that this series will go to 7. Because the Celtics do not like to lose two games in a row, and because the Warriors are going to be hellish in the third quarter. The difference can be made with role players such as Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney or Grant and Robert Williams, for example. But in this little game, I see the Warriors winning following a bitter battle, especially since Stephen Curry has his first Finals MVP title to go for. More experienced and fiery at the same time, the Dubs are also more rested while the Greens have just played two consecutive series in 7. This one will be fatal to them in my opinion and the title will return to California (we calm down the Lakers c’ is not for you). We are looking forward to Jordan Poole’s parade. Warriors 4-3.
Loan
This 2021-22 season did not follow any seriously planned scenario. Between the favorite franchises that don’t qualify for the Playoffs or that get swept away in the first round… No need to mention them any more, they will recognize themselves on their own. We therefore find ourselves at the end of this film with a completely new finale, and seeing the poster we are not going to complain regarding it, far from it! On the one hand, we have the perfect Warriors story that will make anyone shed tears: two black seasons, Klay’s return from injury, Curry’s Olympic form and boom we’re going back to the NBA Finals neither seen nor known. And on the Atlantic coast, we have a team with a steely mind that hasn’t lost two games in a row during this Playoffs campaign anyway. Boston’s defense is a real fortress, and has what it takes to take the advantage in the racket thanks to Grandpa Horford. If the C’s are not burnt and the wall prevents them from driving, the Splash Bros will have to provide parking. In short, it’s going to be a physical, tactical matchup, very tough as we like, but there experience won’t be everything. The Celtics have played more games but what is certain is that they still have the fangs. Come on, 4-2 Boston, it finishes the job in front of the public and more, what do the people want?
Valentin
A big series awaits us with two great stories. On the one hand, the return to the top of the Warriors following two years of difficulty. On the other, a Celtics team that has finally found its way to the NBA Finals. When you look like that, it’s hard to decide between these two teams which are very similar. But since this epic series needs a winner, I’m going to go with the Celtics. Without home advantage, it won’t be easy, but… The dynamic is too good, it plays too collectively, it defends too hard, it’s too solid mentally. I also see the C’s finding the right tactical options and taking advantage of match-ups in their favor, especially in the key. The ability of the green defense to limit Steph and Klay (we think of Marcus Smart here) will be decisive. So yes, you will tell me that the Warriors have drawn less on their resources and have valuable experience of these moments, quite the opposite of their opponents. Sorry Splash Brothers, but for me, that won’t be enough. 4-2 Celtics
