Jayson Tatum shares the message on the sideline entering the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals. Boston used a 40-16 run in the quarter to overcome a double digit second-half deficit.
Oddsmakers are expecting the 2022 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors to be even at 1-1 when the series shifts to TD Garden for Game 3 on Wednesday night.
The Celtics won the series opener 120-108 on Thursday night with a historically dominant fourth quarter during which they outscored the Warriors 40-16.
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Boston was red-hot from 3-point range, hitting nine of its 12 attempts. The Celtics' No. 1 ranked defense also stepped up in the fourth quarter and limited Warriors guard Stephen Curry to just four points after he had scored 30 through three quarters.
Despite an epic collapse in Game 1, the Warriors are favored to win Game 2. They're actually 4-point favorites in the latest betting lines via PointsBet.
- Spread: Warriors -4 (-115), Celtics +4 (-105)
- Moneyline: Warriors -176, Celtics +145
- Total points: Over 214.5 (-110), Under 214.5 (-110)
It's a little surprising to see the Warriors favored by so many points. Sure, it's natural to expect a bit of a letdown from the Celtics since they've already guaranteed themselves at least a split in Golden State.
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But consider this: The Celtics are 8-2 on the road and 3-0 in Game 2s during the 2022 playoffs. They won Game 1 against the Warriors despite Jayson Tatum shooting 3-of-17. They also survived a first quarter in which Curry hit 6-of-7 from 3-point range.
After entering the series as slight underdogs, the Celtics are now favored to win the championship. PointsBet has the Celtics as -170 favorites in the series.
The Warriors will make adjustments for Game 2, but it wouldn't be surprising if the Celtics stole another game at Chase Center this weekend. Boston has plenty of room for improvement -- especially on the offensive glass, second-chance points, third quarters, etc. -- despite winning Thursday night.