Thoughts from iconic Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals

The Boston Celtics dominated in the fourth quarter to take out the Golden State Warriors, 120-108. Here are some thoughts on that Boston victory.

Two guys NOT acquired for 3-point proficiency hit 11-of-16 treys

Al Horford and Derrick White combined for 68.8% accuracy from behind the arc, totaling 47 points.

Marcus Smart is becoming a legitimate scorer for Boston

The 2022 Defensive-Player-of-the-Year has left his erratic bombs behind him. Smart racked up 18 points on 7-of-11 from the field and 4-of-7 on 3-pointers. The Wolverine still drives frequently into the paint but lately has been fairly reliable on shooting the long ball.

Celtics ball movement was as good as anything seen in the 2021-22 season

Boston totaled 33 assists to Golden States' 24. Jayson Tatum had 13 all by himself. The passes were quick, crisp and on the money for the most part. It was a thing of beauty.

Jayson Tatum may not shoot this poorly again in the series

Tatum only scored 12 points in the game and was 3-of-17 from the field and 1-of-5 on 3-pointers. I doubt we will see that again from him in the Finals.

Celtics players have learned patience and composure

With the Warriors on top by 15 points (72-86), the Celtics-of-old may have panicked and folded. Not last night. They erupted in the fourth quarter to take the game away from Golden State.

Jaylen Brown may have the quickest first step and change-of-pace in the League

In some ways, Brown reminds me of the late Reggie Lewis. Jaylen's handles may be suspect at times, but his quick first step gets him by a lot of defenders, and he can stop on a dime and launch a decent shot from anywhere on the floor.

Steph Curry is a dangerous man

Yes, I know. This is not a major revelation - just a reminder. Steph poured in 34 points and added five assists, five rebounds and three steals. He seemed unstoppable in that first quarter.

The Celtics-Warriors matchup is some of the most-exciting playoff basketball we will ever see

This may sound like an over-reach, but I am sincere. Both teams move the ball - perform at a rapid pace - play tenacious defense - and never take a play off. The two coaches - one a rookie (Ime Udoka) and one a vet (Steve Kerr) were never stars when they played in the NBA but are smart as whips on the bench.

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