If you were expecting the physicality and intensity to slow down in Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Finals, it sounds more likely that it will actually go up.
That’s at least if you base it on comments from players and coaches during the Celtics’ NBA Finals media availability on Tuesday. they’re coming off a Game 2 in which Warriors big man Draymond Green made life tough on Jaylen Brown and others with his pestering style of play. Things got emotional at times, and it’s possible it contributed to the Celtics’ sloppy play (18 turnovers) and third-quarter collapse.
But of course, the C’s have guys who can get under skin, too. No need to just take it. So you can expect the Celtics’ more fiery guys to hit back when the Celtics and Warriors tip off for Game 3 on Wednesday night at TD Garden.
Jun 2, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the ball while defended by Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (center) during the first quarter in game one of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
It would make sense that Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, would be inclined to fight back. When asked about responding to the Warriors’ physicality and occasional chirping, he made of the most Marcus Smart comments ever.
“I mean, you respond to fire with fire, right?” Smart said. “We’ve just got to turn around and do the same thing. If [Green’s] gonna come in here and try to be physical, this is our house, and we’ve got to protect it.”
So, Smart is taking the Metallica approach. It seems like a good approach for a tenacious defender who can just as easily frustrate opponents trying to score. Just don’t send him into a burning building.
But either way, expect a vintage Smart game at the defensive end in Game 3. It’ll be interesting to see how he’s deployed matchup-wise, and whether he can bring a similar frustration out of the Warriors in the process.
Be Yourself
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Head Coach Ime Udoka of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Smart’s intentions are clear against Green and the Warriors in Game 3. What about the rest of the roster? Celtics head coach Ime Udoka says he is expecting everyone to just do what they do best. Don’t talk trash if you’re not a trash talker, and if you are, then just get into some chirping, and do all you can to avoid technical fouls. Anything but letting Green walk all over you or get in your head again.
Udoka was intense as a player, so it may come as a surprise that the normally soft-spoken, reserved coach says he would’ve gotten himself in trouble if he had to go against Green. But his point is he doesn’t want his players to be something they’re not.
“I say be who you are. If you want to ignore it, ignore it. If you engage, engage. Do what you do. Be who you are,” Udoka said. “The main thing is to continue to stay composed. With us, I don’t think it’s the talking as much as the physicality that they brought. That was noticeable at times. Talking about the first Milwaukee game, the adjustments Miami made were to be more physical. We know obviously that’s what Green does. Kind of bleeds over into the team.
“For us it’s to be who you are. I told them if I was a player, who I was, I would probably get a double-technical immediately. But that’s not everybody. Do what you do. Block it out or meet physicality with physicality.”
Smart will do the latter. It’ll be interesting to see what approach that Brown and Jayson Tatum take.
Caught up in the antics
Jun 5, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) react after a play as Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) assist in the second half during game two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Shenanigans, antics, those are perfect words to describe Green’s style of play. Not someone you want to play against. So it wasn’t totally surprising that Brown, after scoring 13 points in the first quarter of Game 2, netted just four the rest of the game after Green keyed on him on defense. At one point, tension boiled over, but Brown and Green managed to avoid ejections.
Brown, often soft-spoken and even-keeled in media appearances, makes sense as a guy who will try to block out the noise and just play his game. He indicated in his pregame presser on Tuesday that he intends to look past Green’s mischief and just execute his best game. Also he used one of the operative words.
“Don’t get caught up in that. Just do what we do best. We ain’t got time for that,” Brown said. “Just come out and play basketball, let everything else take care of itself.
“I’m going to come out, do my job. Everybody needs to come out and do their job. We’re here to play basketball, so don’t get caught up in all the antics and stuff like that. Just come out and play.”
Brown started red-hot in Game 3 before the Warriors’ adjustments. Now that he’s gotten a taste of what it’s like when the opponent keys on you, on a championship stage, the next step is to adjust to the adjustments and overcome the adversity.
Another Big Bounce-Back Coming?
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Celtics have been the kings of the bounce-back in the 2022 playoffs. And Jayson Tatum has been the ringleader of that.
So far in the 2022 playoffs, the Celtics are 6-0 after losses, so the Warriors will try to become the first team to beat the C’s in consecutive games. Recent history suggests they’re going to have to do it against a red-hot Tatum. He has averaged 31.5 points in the Celtics’ six playoff wins after a loss, and he’s shooting exactly 50 percent (63-of-126) in those games. He’s also shooting 43.6 percent from three-point range in those contests.
Tatum was asked about his strong responses after losses, and he kept it simple. He just motivates himself to be better after a bad day at the office, like people in all walks of life would.
“I mean, you have a bad day at work, the next day you want to have a better day at work,” Tatum said. “I think everybody can understand that. You lose a game or don’t play well, you want to come back and have a better game. I’m sure everybody can relate to that, whatever you work at. It’s all the same.”
Tatum hasn’t been the most consistent in the playoffs, but he’s also still just 23 years old. He’s relatively early in his career to be on this stage. He and Brown are still learning on the fly what it takes to win it all. But his ability to bounce back from bad games is a great sign for his overall development as a player, and will suit him well in future battles for championships.
Where to Get Game 3 of the NBA Finals
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 02: A general view inside Chase Center immediately prior to Game One of the 2022 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics on June 02, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Finals between the Celtics and Warriors is scheduled to tip off at 9 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston. It will air on TV on ABC.
And, as will be the case throughout the series, you can get the radio call of the game with Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell on 98.5 The Sports Hub, beginning with pregame coverage at 8:30 (not available via streaming.) After the postgame show, you can also get instant reactions on the Adam Jones Show until 1 a.m. Dial 617-779-0985 to call in for a chance to share your thoughts.
Read below for Sean Sylver’s latest column, on the adjustments the Celtics need to make from Game 2 to Game 3.
PHOTOS: Celtics, Warriors clash in Game 2 of 2022 NBA Finals
Sylver: 5 key adjustments for the Celtics to make after Game 2 disaster
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Head Coach Ime Udoka of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Celtics stole Game 1 on the road. The Warriors punched back.
Now what?
After the opening contest of the 2022 NBA Finals reminded us basketball can be beautiful, Game 2 was a time machine back to last month and the Eastern Conference playoff bracket, when 14 games of Giannis Antetokounmpo shoulder tackles and Kyle Lowry grifts drove Boston fans to the edge of insanity.
Despite scoring just nine points, Draymond Green was at the center of it all, which is remarkable considering teammate Steph Curry (29 points) had a vintage performance. Green’s constant flopping, woofing and attempts at various pro wrestling holds threw the Celtics off their game, while the three-time champs’ execution on both ends of the floor took care of the rest.
Just as Steve Kerr made adjustments to counter Boston’s impressive Game 1 showing, the ball is now in coach Ime Udoka’s court. The C’s are undefeated (6-0) coming off a loss in these playoffs, and with the scene shifting to TD Garden for Game 3, there’s no time like the present to make some changes.
Take care of the ball
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors battle for the ball during the first quarter in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
After taking the proverbial foot off the gas in Game 1, the Warriors were much more active defensively in Game 2. They once again stifled Boston forays to the basket, and Celtic attempts to move the ball came off like a game of Crossy Road (or maybe Frogger, for the veteran fan).
The Green committed seven turnovers in the opening quarter, with Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart teaming up for eight giveaways in the first half. Smart in particular seemed to be looking for passes that simply weren’t there. Golden State just swiped the ball and went the other way.
One tweet really sums it up:
Points off turnovers...
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) June 6, 2022
33-8.
"There's no other reason why...."You can wallpaper over turnovers when you’re shooting the lights out, and Boston’s fourth quarter barrage in Game 1 wiped clean the memory of the things that put them in a double-digit hole.
But teams very rarely commit 18 turnovers and win.
Play through the physicality
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics grabs his shoulder during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
While Golden State fans may remember Game 2 for ridiculous shots by the likes of Curry and Jordan Poole, Celtics fans will undoubtedly be focused on the officiating.
After a rough Game 1, Tatum attacked the basket for his first score, possibly setting the tone for the superstar to go to the rack and get free throws. But after seemingly tweaking his shoulder, he mostly abandoned that approach. When he did go to the hoop, the whistles often stayed silent.
Eight of the game’s first 11 fouls were called on the Celtics. Ime Udoka was hit with a technical when Golden State entered the bonus with seven minutes remaining in the third, and through 36 minutes of play, only Tatum and Jaylen Brown had been to the line for Boston.
Meanwhile, Green got into his bag of tricks and the Warriors straight-up bullied the opposition.
The Celtics are capable of playing a more physical brand of basketball. They can’t let Golden State check that box.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives past Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
They can also get easier buckets. Boston shot an alarmingly bad percentage on two-pointers in Game 2. The action was telegraphed: plenty of dribbling preceding half-hearted layup attempts. Instead of going up with purpose, they seemed to be looking for a call.
But not only is a rim attack a high percentage option; it frees up the perimeter.
The same way the Green found open looks 25 feet from the basket in Game 1, they can get layups: with motion and slick passing.
On Sunday night, they had their feet in cement and the judgment of an inebriated college student.
Win the third quarter
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Seinfeld voice: What’s the deal with the Celtics and third quarters?
While the second half of the season and most of the playoffs have shown Boston can use the 12 minutes after halftime in a productive manner, this series has turned the clock back to an uncomfortable time.
The Green had more turnovers (five) than field goals (four) in the third period of Game 2, with zero points on the offensive glass and a comparable donut in transition. In the end, the home team blitzed the Celtics by 35-14 margin, completely erasing the memory of a first quarter where the Warriors looked shook and a first half where it appeared we had a battle on our hands.
With the TD Garden fans behind them Wednesday night, the Celtics have to find a way to make the third quarter their own.
More of THAT Jaylen
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
After a memorable Game 1 conclusion where Brown asserted himself and changed the Celtics’ fortunes, the sixth-year wing came out swinging again in Game 2, responding to an opening Andrew Wiggins triple with a confident three of his own.
Then another. And then a drive at Wiggins for the and-1.
Then he just kind of faded into the background, making two of his next 14 shots.
Brown has a tendency to Homer Simpson his way into the bushes, and sometimes I’m not sure whether it’s by design (other guys need the ball), if he’s bothered by factors like foul trouble, or if it’s something else.
Whatever the reason, an aggressive Brown makes the Boston offense so much more lethal.
Smart approach
Jun 5, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) brings the ball up court during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors during game two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Since his return after missing Game 4 of the Miami series, Boston’s point guard is shooting less than 36 percent from the field and 28 percent from downtown. While a tidy Game 1 performance (18 points, no turnovers) was enhanced by a couple of late threes, he’s often been the less preferable alternative to Derrick White or even Payton Pritchard.
On Sunday night, he paced the Celtics with five turnovers.
Not only can the Defensive Player of the Year keep his teammates from getting murdered on the pick and roll, his decision-making can help wake up an offense that went to sleep for three quarters.
I get it; he’s not 100 percent, and this isn’t a call for him to take 22 shots like he did in Game 7 against Miami, but the C’s could use “Good Marcus Smart” in Game 3.
Sean Sylver can be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub. His Celtics notebook appears weekly on 985thesportshub.com. Talk C’s with him on Twitter @TheSylverFox.