The two top teams in the NBA matched up against one another Thursday night in Boston. Everyone expected Golden State to pick up where they left off last season, but the Celtics (especially after the Gordon Hayward injury) have stunned the league with their new roster and exceptional level of play.
Golden State has had too much success to take any regular game seriously, but for every other team, the warriors are a measuring stick. And the Celtics proved that they belong right there with them (at least for now).
Celtics (14-2) defeat Warriors (11-4) - 92-88
After missing Golden State’s previous game with a thigh bruise, Steph Curry returned to action against the Celtics. He shot just 1-5 in the first quarter, but that didn’t matter, as the Warriors raced out to a 28-18 lead. Boston struggled from the field, shooting just 8-25 and 2-10 from the three-point line. Golden State extended their lead by as much as 17 in the second period, but a 15-3 run before halftime cut the Celtics’ deficit to five. Kevin Durant scored 12 first-half points, while Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 11.
Despite this being his 13th year in the NBA, Andre Iguodala turned back time in the second quarter with this monster throw down over Marcus Smart.
A flurry of buckets by the Warriors extended their lead back up to double digits. Golden State was up 17 again, but Boston would not go away. Kyrie Irving ditched the mask that he’s been wearing since suffering a facial fracture, and the Celtics went on an unbelievable 19-2 run, demonstrating heart and tenacity to tie the game by the end of the quarter.
The two best teams in the league exchanged blows and traded leads in what was about as intense of a quarter as a regular season can be. A Kyrie Irving free throw tied the game 88-88 with 1:18 left. Both teams missed shots on their next possessions, and Irving drew another foul with 14 seconds left, knocking down both free throws to put the Celtics up two.
After a timeout, the Warriors drew up a play for Kevin Durant, but he missed a 16-foot jump shot to tie the score. Celtics' rookie Jayson Tatum sealed the four-point win for Boston with two final free throws.
Celtics and Warriors game stats
Warriors
Kevin Durant - 24 points/three rebounds/three assists
Klay Thompson - 13 points/seven rebounds/three assists
Draymond Green - 11 points/eight rebounds/five assists
Steph Curry - nine points/six rebounds/five assists
Celtics
Jaylen Brown - 22 points/seven rebounds/zero assists
Al Horford - 18 points/11 rebounds/two assists
Kyrie Irving - 16 points/five rebounds/five assists
Jayson Tatum - 12 points/four rebounds/zero assists
