The Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors collide in the NBA Finals, with Game 1 taking place on Thursday at Chase Center.
Boston has a chance to win its record-setting 18th NBA championship, which would break a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most titles. The Celtics return to the Finals for the first time since 2010.
For their part, the Warriors aim to claim their fourth NBA championship in eight seasons and seventh overall. If they do so, they will pass the Chicago Bulls for sole possession of third place all time.
This will be the 22nd appearance for the Celtics in the NBA Finals (17-4 record), while the Warriors will play in the Finals for a 12th time (6-5). The two teams will meet in the NBA Finals for the first time in 58 years (1964) and the second time overall.
The highlight of the series will be the battle between the teams’ Big-3. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green will collide with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart.
Golden State will play in the NBA Finals for a sixth time in the last eight years. On the other hand, no player on the Celtics’ roster has ever played in the NBA Finals before.
If they win the series, the Celtics will make history and become the first NBA champion to start the season .500 or worse through 50 games (25-25).
This is also a battle between the two best defensive teams in the NBA this season, as measured by defensive rating. The Celtics relied on their defense to make it to the Finals, while the Warriors played excellent on both ends.
Aside from their Big-3, both teams expect their role players to step up and make the difference. Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins have a breakout year and have solidified their place among the top players in the league.
Counting down the minutes. pic.twitter.com/CVkGsK36zb — Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 31, 2022
For their part, Robert Williams and Al Horford have a key role in Boston’s championship run. Horford will play in the Finals for the first time in his great career.
A 15-year veteran with 13 seasons of playoff experience, Horford has played more playoff games without appearing in the NBA Finals than any player in league history (141 playoff games).
Last but not least, Ime Udoka has led Boston to the NBA Finals in his first season as an NBA head coach. At the same time, Steve Kerr will coach the Warriors for a sixth time in the Finals.
To reach the NBA Finals, the Celtics won a Game 7 in both the Conference semifinals (over the defending NBA champions Milwaukee Bucks) and Conference Finals (over the top-seeded Miami Heat).
On the contrary, the Warriors had an easier path and easily eliminated the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks to reach the Finals.
Golden State holds the home-court advantage, so Games 1 and 2 will be played in San Francisco. This will be the first time that Chase Center will host the NBA Finals. The arena opened in 2019.
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