We have a blockbuster NBA Finals matchup on our hands as the Boston Celtics will take on the Golden State Warriors. The Celtics have arguably been the best team in the league in 2022 while the Warriors showed during these playoffs, that they always had another gear in them and were just coasting along during the regular season.
In the lead-up to Game 1, the Warriors have been speaking to the media and they have had nothing but positive things to say about their opponents. Steve Kerr hailed Jayson Tatum as one of the best players in the league and he also praised Marcus Smart, stating that he is the guard version of Draymond Green. Steph Curry also joined in on the praise and while he was confident of the Warriors’ chances, he paid respect to Boston’s Big 3.
“We like the matchup in terms of confidence going in, knowing we can win, but there’s obvious respect in terms of what they present as a team. Tatum and [Jaylen] Brown are the heads of the snake, Marcus Smart does what he does, you got some vets, Al Horford who has been in the league a long time and in his first Finals appearance so I’m sure they’re motivated just like we are and we’re excited to get things going.”
Tatum and Brown deserve the plaudits coming their way as they have stepped up big time at different points in these playoffs for the Celtics. Smart has had some big games as well and the Celtics have been getting contributions from all over the place.
They are going to be a tough outing but the Warriors have plenty of reasons to be confident. Curry is in fine form heading into this one, having won the Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP while Klay Thompson seems to be returning to his best after his injuries. Draymond Green, Jordan Poole, and Andrew Wiggins are all playing well too, as the Warriors look to capture their first title since 2018.
