The Golden State Warriors continued their early season dominance on Wednesday night, improving to an impressive 7-1 record after a thrilling 118-112 victory over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. The win sets the stage for a highly anticipated matchup against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, a game that could have significant implications for the power dynamics in the NBA.
Warriors Depth Shines in Gritty Win
Despite the hype surrounding the Warriors’ hot start, superstar guard Stephen Curry remains focused on the bigger picture. “We haven’t done anything yet,” Curry remarked after the game, tempering expectations while acknowledging the team’s strong position. The Warriors’ success thus far can be attributed to their unparalleled depth, with head coach Steve Kerr utilizing a rotation of up to 13 players on any given night.
Against the Celtics, the Warriors’ depth was on full display, as 11 players saw at least 13 minutes of action. This constant rotation of fresh defenders allowed Golden State to disrupt Boston’s offense, forcing turnovers and contested shots throughout the game. While the Celtics managed to connect on 19 of their 54 three-point attempts, they struggled to find a consistent rhythm against the Warriors’ relentless defense.
They’re physical, so they force you to fight for your space. They have active hands, so I think in the first half, they got a ton of deflections.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla on the Warriors’ defensive intensity
Curry Leads the Way, Looney Provides Crucial Plays
Stephen Curry once again led the charge for the Warriors, finishing with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals in 34 minutes of action. However, it was the contributions of role players like Kevon Looney that ultimately sealed the victory. Looney’s offensive rebounds in the final minutes, including one on a badly missed corner three by Draymond Green, were reminiscent of his dominant performance in the 2022 NBA Finals against these same Celtics.
The last five minutes, I thought our defense really showed up. The activity, Gary getting on the floor, Loon getting two putbacks, those were maybe the two biggest shots of the game.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr on the team’s late-game execution
Looking Ahead: Undefeated Cavaliers Await
The Warriors’ victory in Boston is all the more impressive considering it marks the beginning of a grueling five-game stretch. Golden State now faces the daunting task of taking on the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, followed by matchups against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, and Memphis Grizzlies in quick succession.
The Cavaliers, led by the dynamic duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, have been the surprise team of the early season, rattling off nine straight wins to open the campaign. Their combination of youthful energy, defensive intensity, and offensive firepower has caught the attention of the league, with many pundits already labeling them as legitimate title contenders.
Until proven otherwise, that’s how we have to play. It is who we are right now, it’s who we have to be. It’s a fun way to play, because again, every night is different and everybody has to stay engaged, and it’s working.
Stephen Curry on the Warriors’ current style of play and maintaining focus
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As the Warriors embark on this challenging stretch of games, they will need to rely on their depth, experience, and championship pedigree to maintain their winning ways. The matchup against the Cavaliers will serve as a litmus test for both teams, providing a clearer picture of where they stand in the early-season hierarchy.
- Can the Warriors continue to thrive with their “Strength in Numbers” approach?
- Will the Cavaliers’ youthful exuberance and hunger prove too much for the battle-tested Warriors?
- Which team will emerge as the early front-runner in the race for the NBA championship?
These questions and more will be answered in the coming days as the NBA’s elite clash in what promises to be a series of must-watch games. For now, the Warriors can bask in the glow of their hard-fought victory over the Celtics, while simultaneously preparing for the challenges that lie ahead. As Stephen Curry aptly put it, “I like where we’re at, obviously. But [there’s a] long way to go.”
