Halftime hot takes: Warriors lead Celtics by 1 in Finals rematch

Dimension Benefit: Even with out the Warriors opting to start out small, the Celtics are the larger workforce, they usually correctly exploited that benefit in Video games 1 and three of the Finals final yr. Tonight, they made it a degree to assault the basket, with 10 of their 11 first-quarter area targets coming within the paint. Boston’s success this season has centered round its three-point capturing, however tonight, their pounding of the paint made Steve Kerr second guess his resolution of not beginning Kevon Looney. Robert Williams dominated the tip of the half, scoring 9 factors within the ultimate two-and-a-half minutes.

Horford’s Begin: Al Horford asserted himself from the opening tip, scoring 10 factors and grabbing 5 rebounds in his first eight minutes of play. Leveraging his measurement in opposition to smaller Golden State entrance line, Horford twice made the “too small” gesture, which I’ve by no means seen him do. He clearly was not effectively versed in it, as his hand barely went under his waist, and he didn’t look comfy doing it (he’s gotta watch some Patrick Beverley movie). He additionally had this excellent block on what appeared like a particular Jordan Poole layup:

Brogdon from the bench: Malcolm Brogdon has been on fireplace within the 2023 calendar yr, and with him within the recreation, the Celtics went on a 13-2 run to open the 2nd quarter, as he hit two threes and grabbed 4 rebounds. If he retains up his robust play for just a few extra weeks, he’ll set up himself because the frontrunner for sixth Man of the Yr.

Warriors Saved by the Deep Ball: Golden State had a brick-tastic first half, however the three-ball saved them shut. The Warriors shot underneath 30 % from two-point vary however having two of the NBA’s best long-range shooters ensures that slumps don’t final lengthy. Klay Thompson hit 4 3’s, three of which got here from the appropriate wing. After a sluggish begin to the season, Klay has come alive over the previous month, and tonight has the sensation of him going for 40. Steph Curry didn’t have a very memorable first half (in addition to his final shot), however that doesn’t make the Celtics any much less fearful of him.