The Warriors won in Game 1 until a fourth-quarter debacle led to their first playoff loss at the Chase Center.
Leading 92-80 into the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics beat the Golden State Warriors 40-16 in the final inning to win 120-108 on the road.
After the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr gave the praise where it was due.
“I’ll give them credit, they made 21 3-pointers, they made a really good pass, and they got us right behind them,” Kerr told reporters after the game. “They got a good push at the start of the fourth quarter and kept that momentum going. If they make 21 3-pointers and they make 11 3-pointers in total, it’s going to be hard to beat Boston [Al] Horford and [Derrick] white.
“Those guys, trust them, they knocked down every big shot in the fourth quarter. Boston just had a great quarter and they came in and won.”
The Warriors and Celtics combined for 40 3-pointers, an NBA Finals record.
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Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum had just 12 points, but Boston still beat the Warriors with big contributions from Derrick White (21) and Al Horford (26), who finished fourth Each hit a three-pointer at the end of the quarter.
If the Warriors are to bounce back and win Game 2 on Sunday, they will need to limit damage to playmakers other than Tatum and forward Jaylen Brown.