When it comes to the NBA Finals 2022, the schedule is packed with thrilling matchups that had fans on the edge of their seats. I mean, who wouldn't be excited to see the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics battling it out for the championship? The series kicked off on June 2nd and stretched out to a nail-biting end on June 19th. That's a hefty 17-day span filled with some of the best basketball action of the year.
The very first game of the series took place at the Chase Center in San Francisco. As always, home-court advantage plays a critical role. The Warriors have proven their dominance at Chase Center, finishing the regular season with a commanding 31-10 home record. On the flip side, the Celtics have been road warriors themselves, boasting a 23-18 away record. Game 1 saw the Warriors utilize their home-court prowess to the fullest, securing a key victory and setting an intense tone for the rest of the series.
With each passing game, players from both teams truly stepped up their performance metrics. Jayson Tatum from the Celtics, for example, averaged 26.9 points per game in the playoffs, while Steph Curry of the Warriors wasn't far behind with an average of 25.5 points per game. Curry even set a personal playoff best in Game 4, dropping 43 points to push the Warriors to a critical victory. If you ask me, that was one of the standout performances of the entire series.
Games 2 and 3 saw the series move to Boston's TD Garden. As of June 2022, TD Garden holds a seating capacity of 19,580, and boy, did those seats fill up quickly! Tickets were sold out within hours, and on resale markets, prices skyrocketed to an average of $1,500 per ticket. Reflecting on the game's attendance, it's clear that the Boston fans were dying to see their team win at home. In Game 3 specifically, the atmosphere was electric, and the Celtics managed to clinch an impressive 116-100 victory, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.
A pivotal moment unfolded in Game 5 when the series returned to San Francisco. At this point, both teams were 2-2, making Game 5 a crucial turning point. I remember watching Andrew Wiggins steal the show with his career-high 16 rebounds and 26 points. This was a key factor, which isn't surprising given that Wiggins has consistently shown significant improvements this season. His player efficiency rating (PER) was at an all-time high during the Finals. This game ultimately pushed the Warriors one step closer to the title.
Now, if we're talking historic data, the Warriors have always been a team to watch out for in the NBA Finals. Their championship pedigree dates back to their first title in 1947, and they've added six more since then. Boston, meanwhile, stands tall with 17 championships, tied for the most in NBA history. However, it's been a while since their last victory in 2008, making the 2022 finals particularly significant for Celtics fans.
Just to throw in some industry terminology here, the Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) is a crucial metric many analysts look at. The Warriors recorded an impressive eFG% of 54.3% during the series, which speaks volumes about their shooting efficiency. Compared to the Celtics' 50.4%, the Warriors clearly had a shooting edge, which translated into critical points, especially from beyond the arc.
Game 6, back in Boston, was a masterpiece of defensive strategy. Draymond Green, known for his defensive prowess, made five steals and three blocks, significantly hindering the Celtics' offensive schemes. Defensive metrics like these don't always get the spotlight but make no mistake—they are game-changers. I recall a report from ESPN highlighting Green's defensive rating of 100.5 during the Finals, underscoring his value to the Warriors' overall game plan.
Then came Game 7, the ultimate decider, back again at the Chase Center. Stakes couldn't be higher, and every player knew it. In the end, Steph Curry was the Finals MVP, with an average of 31.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game in the series. His performance was nothing short of spectacular and solidified his legacy as one of the all-time greats. In an article published by The Athletic, Curry's shooting splits of 48.2% from the field, 43.7% from three-point range, and 86.8% from the free-throw line were highlighted as key factors in the Warriors' victory.
So, looking back, the NBA Finals 2022 were a whirlwind of dazzling plays, incredible performances, and unforgettable moments. For anyone wanting to relive those days, check out the nba finals 2022 schedule.