NBA Finals Game 1: Jeremy Lin backs Steph Curry for MVP after 3-point record, but late Celtics rally downs Warriors
- The Warriors are in their sixth finals in eight seasons, while the Celtics return for the first time since 2010
- For the Celtics, it’s a chance at an unprecedented 18th NBA championship, while the Warriors seek their 4th title in 8 seasons
The Boston Celtics used a stunning fourth quarter rally to upend Golden State Warriors in the first game of the NBA finals.
Celtics veteran Al Horford scored 26 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, to hand Warriors their first home defeat with a final score of 120 – 108 in the playoffs, and will be aiming for another victory in the best-of-seven series on Golden State’s home floor in game two on Sunday.
Boston twice recovered from double-digit deficits either side of halftime when it looked as if the Warriors were poised to cut loose.
As expected Stephen Curry was a star performer for Warriors, hitting six three-pointers in the first quarter to set a the pace and tone of the match.
The record result prompted a call from Chinese basketball great and former New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin for Curry to take the 2022 MVP title.
“I hope Steph Curry wins the championship and finals MVP. But make no mistake about it, he does NOT need a finals MVP to validate his career by any means,” Lin posted on social media.