Steph Curry and company will aim to end it all but that is easier said than done.
After putting in 43 in Game 4 to even the series at 2-all, he was scoreless from the 3 pt zone the whole evening in Game 5 and contributed 16 overall behind Andrew Wiggns’ 26 and Klay Thompson’s 21.
Coach Steve Kerr highly praised Wiggins for his herculean effort which allowed his boys to stay on the driver’s seat after losing the lead temporarily at the dying minutes of the third.
Draymond Green actually summed up the Warrior’s victory Monday night.
“A win is a win. Whether Steph gets 43, 10, 4 or whether he finishes with 16 for 22 shooting. Obviously we have spoke about helping him and I don’t think he’s been out there hel[less, like that’s the narrative. But everybody’s doing their part and tonight, a night that he didn’t have it going, we found offense elsewhere, and that’s kind of what it’s been.”
The Celtics actually started late, trailed their hosts by double digit and coach Udoka moaned about the lethargic start.
I thought Kerr employed the home court advantage to the hilt although he did display some frustration as Curry kept on missing his three point bombs.
Again, at the start of the fourth, Kerr benched his prized point guard for three minutes and allowed Jordan Poole and Gary Payton II to take care of the backcourt chores.
As their backs are against the wall, Udoka cannot but field Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcuc Smart and Al Horford for the full 48 minutes – if necessary to stay alive and return to San Francisco for the do or die Game 7.
Like they used to say in the vernacular, “todo na ito.”
Far as I am concerned, what the Celtics did to Milwaukee and Miami, two teams that were better favored to figure in the NBA Finals, they can also do a repeat over the Warriors.
But first things first.
Udoka seems preoccupied over putting a chaser on Curry for a double team when the latter is on the dribble and is always looking for space to toss the ball from three point range.
This leaves a Warrior open for a clear shot and because Curry can also offer himself as a decoy and he is a good passer, there is either Wiggins or Thompson waiting to receive the assist pass whether from top of the key or the corner.
Curry is only 6’3” but he is shifty and deadly.
He is the Celtics’ major problem.
That is why in Game 5, Udoka’s defensive ploy almost succeeded as they came back from 10-points down in the third to take temporary control of the lead.
But back in Boston, the fans will be more rowdy and uncouth as ever.
They will surely make noise doubly louder and thunderous than a megaton bomb in a bid to scare the Warrior’s wit and spoil the imminent victory party.
The Celtics will not only battle Curry and his Splash Twin (Thompson) but also carry the onerous weight and the subconscious recognition that the pressure (of survival) is upon their shoulders.
I would not doubt it if Larry Bird, Kevin Mchale and Robert Parrish were still suiting up for Boston’s Fab Five.
My fearless forecast is a 60-40 in favor of Golden State.
I hope I am wrong so we can all enjoy a “Thrilla of A Game 7.” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
