One of the biggest reasons for the excitement? This wasn’t just any game. Both teams have started the 2024-25 NBA season in powerhouse fashion, and memories are still fresh from their meeting in the 2022 NBA Finals, where the Celtics lost to the Warriors. Celtics fans were itching for a taste of revenge. But more than that, this was their first chance to make their voices heard over Steve Kerr’s summer decision to limit Jayson Tatum’s minutes at the Paris Olympics. Celtics fans were not thrilled, to put it mildly, and they let Kerr hear their frustration even before the game tipped off.
First Quarter: Strong Defense, Tough Offense
The Celtics opened with a solid defensive presence, determined to keep Golden State’s offense in check. Neemias Queta, who earned a spot in the starting lineup, wasted no time establishing his presence around the rim. The big man showed up, ending the game with a respectable 14 points and 8 rebounds, and demonstrating some serious shot-stopping ability that helped Boston stay competitive.
Boston’s defensive effort in the first quarter was impressive, holding the Warriors to just 19 points on a cold 7-for-24 shooting. For context, the Warriors came into the game with the fourth-best offensive rating in the league, so this was no small feat. But on the flip side, offense was in short supply for the Celtics as well. Derrick White managed to carry some of the load, scoring 12 of Boston’s 24 points, which was crucial to overcoming five turnovers in just the first frame.
Second Quarter: Warriors Wake Up, Celtics Struggle
Golden State found their rhythm as the second quarter got underway, especially with Tatum on the bench taking a breather. Kyle Anderson came in hot, sinking three three-pointers in under a minute, propelling the Warriors on a 14-5 run. When Tatum returned to the floor, it was clear Boston was struggling to regain their offensive footing. The Celtics logged just 16 points, marking their lowest quarter total of the season so far.
A big part of Boston’s struggle in the second came down to Golden State’s aggressive defense. The Warriors pressured hard, making it nearly impossible for the Celtics to create open looks. Missing Jaylen Brown, who was sidelined with a hip strain for the third straight game, didn’t help the situation either. His ability to generate offense was sorely missed, and Boston’s scoring woes continued to drag them down.
Third Quarter: Celtics’ Comeback Efforts and Tatum’s Spark
As the second half began, the Celtics came out with renewed intensity. They pushed back with some serious physicality, and their effort translated into a whopping 14 second-chance points in the third quarter. Boston showed more composure, and their renewed determination was palpable on the court.
Tatum, who had been relatively quiet, came alive in the third, pouring in 17 points and bringing a much-needed spark to the Celtics’ offense. By the end of the game, he posted an impressive stat line: 32 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Thanks to Tatum’s surge and the team’s increased focus, Boston nearly erased Golden State’s lead, closing the quarter with a narrow 82-81 gap.
Fourth Quarter: Celtics’ Late Lead and Curry’s Heroics
The fourth quarter kicked off with Tatum back on the bench for a short rest, but this time, the Celtics held their own and even outscored the Warriors 14-6 during his absence. Queta, who had been strong all night, was instrumental in this stretch, finishing as Boston’s highest-rated player at +13 overall. He brought the crowd to their feet with a thunderous dunk, helping the Celtics pull ahead and gain a slim lead as the game neared its conclusion.
Just when it seemed like Boston might hold on for the win, Golden State responded with former MVP Steph Curry stepping up. Over the final six minutes, the Warriors went on a 30-17 run that ultimately sealed the game in their favor. Curry was a force to be reckoned with, tallying 27 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals, closing out the game with his trademark clutch shooting.
Key Takeaways
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Celtics’ Defense Can Stand Tall: Boston's first-quarter defensive effort against one of the league's best offenses shows they have the potential to lock down even the most explosive teams. Holding Golden State to just 19 points on poor shooting is a strong testament to their defensive capability.
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Missing Jaylen Brown Hurt the Celtics: Brown’s absence, especially in the second quarter when Golden State went on their run, underscored his importance to the team’s offense. Without his scoring ability, the Celtics struggled to keep pace.
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Tatum’s Consistency is Key: Tatum showed why he’s a central figure for Boston, scoring a game-high 32 points. His third-quarter performance gave the Celtics hope, but he’ll need support from the full lineup to carry them through high-stakes games.
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Warriors’ Clutch Gene Remains Unmatched: Golden State once again proved they know how to perform in the clutch. With Curry leading the charge, the Warriors displayed the type of resilience that has kept them a perennial contender in the NBA.
Boston fans can look forward to seeing their team in action again this Friday, as they’ll take on the Brooklyn Nets at home. After such a competitive game, there’s no doubt the Celtics will be hungry to bounce back and reinforce their standing as one of the East’s best teams.
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