Preview
The warriors don’t need any direction to reach the 2022 Finals as they are appearing for the sixth time in the past eight years. It is great to have Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green available for yet another outing.
The surprise this time is that the Warriors are deploying a completely new supporting cast, thanks to Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins’ stunning gifts. Last season, the former earned 11 appearances in the NBA G League, while the latter was stuck in reputation imprisonment. They not only outperformed their predicted goals this season, but they also showed the tenacity required to succeed in the playoffs given their lack of playoff experience.
Boston
The Celtics club is attempting to add to the franchise trophy collection, which is already greater than the Warriors and everyone else’s except the Lakers.
Boston took the harder route to get here, defeating Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving before battling it out in a couple of seven-game series against the reigning champion Bucks and the Heat, but it can sometimes toughen you up and harden your drive. Jayson Tatum is on the verge of becoming a sensation, and Jaylen Brown has considered being an efficient partner. Both are excellent two-way players who, together with Marcus Smart, help Boston to be a top defensive team.
Players to Watch
Stephen Curry
Veteran Curry is on the verge to claim the elusive Finals MVP this time just because he already bagged All-Star and Conference finals MVPs. Curry doesn’t appear to be the only top-notch player in the Warriors’ five trips to Finals; however, the competition he brings on the court is exemplary.
Assignment for Draymond Green to chase Jayson Tatum
It seems reasonable that a previous Defensive Player of the Year would be paired with such a dangerous attacker. Last round, however, Green only defended Luka Doncic, with Andrew Wiggins taking over the role. Wiggins will certainly be given the Tatum assignment, as he is a better runner and performed well against Doncic. Green seems to be the only reasonable and most viable applicant if Tatum gets Wiggins into foul trouble.
The Pick
Golden State are back after a two-year break that included the removal of 2017 and 2018 Finals MVP Kevin Durant, two major leg injuries to Thompson, and another season-ending injury to Curry.
The Celtics could be a heavy underdog considering their resurgence since early 2022, Smart’s defensive effort and finally making it to the conference finals. The Warriors possess home-court advantage and are undefeated at Chase Center, but the Boston have emerged victorious seven times in the playoffs.
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