While the Boston Celtics’ performance in the fourth quarter defined the opening game of the NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors’ third quarter helped decide Game 2.
The Warriors used an electric run in the third quarter to turn a two-point halftime lead into a dominant 23-point lead heading into halftime. Golden State’s fiery third quarter helped seal a blowout 107-88 victory to even the series against Boston, 1-1.
When asked about the Warriors’ performance in the third quarter, Steve Kerr gave Steph Curry credit. While Curry’s known for his long-distance shooting and offensive arsenal, Kerr praised his point guard’s defense, conditioning and physicality.
Yeah, Steph was breathtaking in that quarter. Not just the shot-making but the defensive effort. He just doesn’t get enough credit for his level of conditioning, physicality and defense.
People go at him to try to wear him down because they know how important he is to us offensively, and it’s pretty dramatic the difference in Steph’s strength and physicality in his body now than from eight years ago when I first got here. So the guy’s amazing. He just keeps working on his game, his strength, his conditioning year after year, and it’s a pleasure to watch him play every night.
Via @NBCSWarriors on Twitter:
"Steph was breathtaking in [the third quarter] … He just doesn't get enough credit for his level of conditioning, physicality and defense." pic.twitter.com/P7cR9WdBR0
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) June 6, 2022
Curry tallied 14 points in the third quarter on 4-of-9 shooting from the field, with three triples and two boards in 12 minutes. Along with sparking Golden State’s offense, Curry’s defense shined in the third quarter.
Via @dieter on Twitter:
Two big *defensive* possessions from Steph are as responsible as anything for the Warriors rolling late in the 3Q pic.twitter.com/3fWAy2Fp7B
— Dieter Kurtenbach (@dieter) June 6, 2022
Curry finished the contest with a game-high 29 points on 9-of-21 shooting from the floor and 5-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc. The reigning Western Conference Finals MVP added six boards, four assists and three steals in 32 minutes.
With the series tied at 1-1, the Warriors will head on the road to Boston to meet the Celtics in Game 3 on Wednesday.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
