The Celtics Are Locking Up The Warriors In The 4th Quarter

Much has been made of the Warriors’ third-quarter domination in these NBA Finals, but there’s always one left to play — and the Celtics are owning it.

On Wednesday, Boston answered Golden State’s 33-point third quarter with a lockdown, 23-11 fourth, sealing a 16-point Game 3 victory and a 2-1 series lead.

Even with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson combining for 56 points — their most since Game 7 of the semifinals — the Celtics dominated when it mattered most — and are now two wins away from the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

• The Celtics have outscored the Warriors 87-47 in fourth quarters this series.
• They’re averaging 29 PTS in the fourth on 53% shooting and 46.7% from three.
• Meanwhile, they’re holding the Warriors to 15.7 4Q PTS on 39% shooting and 19.2% from three.

With at least two more games in front of Boston’s unwelcoming crowd, the Finals are the Celtics’ to lose as long as their fourth-quarter prowess — led by the $69.2 million trio of Jayson Tatum (26 PTS), Jaylen Brown (27 PTS), and Marcus Smart (24 PTS) — holds up. 

But against the famous Golden State offense, Boston’s clutch defense did the trick — especially on Curry, who has scored just six points on 3-10 shooting (-30) in fourth quarters this series and appeared to suffer a late-game knock.

The Celtics have notoriously run hot-and-cold in these playoffs, but they’re heavy favorites to win the title (-240) ahead of what could be an epic Game 4.