Prepare for the Inevitable? NBA Finals Analysis and if Golden State is Destined for a Ring

“I am…inevitable”. This iconic line was uttered by the mad titan, Thanos, several times throughout the story of Avengers: Endgame. He believed that he was a god and owned the responsibility to bend the universe to his will, shaping how he pleases. Ultimately, his overconfidence resulted in his downfall, as well as the efforts of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

The Golden State Warriors right now, kind of feel like Thanos. Even though Steph Curry had perhaps the worst playoff performance of his career in Game 5, the Warriors led comfortably for almost the entire time. Even when Boston made a spirited push out of halftime and it felt like Golden State couldn’t buy a shot, they always had control over the proceedings.

This could be attributed to their poise on the big stage, as they’ve played in so many of these games. They don’t panic, don’t deviate from the plan. They stay focused on the result, play together as a team, and find ways to win.

The way they won Game 5 was the athleticism and defensive versatility of Andrew Wiggins. Scoring 26 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, you could make the case he was the only Warrior who played well and was undoubtedly their best player.

In his first true playoff run, Wiggins has been playing exceptionally well on both sides of the basketball. He slowed down Luka Doncic enough in the previous round, showing the quickness to stay in front of him while having the strength to stand his ground. In this series, he’s guarded Jayson Tatum for most possessions and performed well. His finalizing realizing his first overall pick potential is a great story for the playoffs, on a Warriors team that is full of them.

The defense isn’t the only reason Wiggins is receiving buzz for Finals MVP votes. On several possessions where it appeared the Warriors had stalled, he scored isolation baskets that helped keep them afloat. Superstars make these types of plays: creating your shot in the halfcourt when everything else breaks down.

From Boston’s perspective, there has to be disappointed with this result. Holding Steph Curry to 7-22 shooting, including 0-9 from three, usually means that they are going to win. Not the case on Monday. They came out of the gates quite lethargic, Tatum especially, to find themselves in a 27-16 hole after the first quarter. They didn’t truly wake up until the third quarter, which they won by 11.

The Celtics’ Achilles heel did them in, 18 turnovers (including 13 from primary options Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart) are far too many for a team looking to win a championship. Their halfcourt offense stalled often, which was an issue in the regular season as well.

Their role players appear to be running out of gas. The Celtics bench scored just 4 points until some garbage time highlights from Luke Kornet and Aaron Nesmith. Al Horford seems to have run out whatever he was on back in the Milwaukee series when he was dunking on Giannis. This doesn’t look like a series for Grant Williams, who looks more and more out of place. Derrick White seems as though he’s lost his confidence, going 0-4 from the field (this could be attributed to the effort he’s putting in chasing Curry around).

?For all the reasons listed above, it’s not unreasonable to begin planning the parade for Golden State. However, Boston should not be counted out yet. In the middle of this game, they showed their potential for how good they really can be.

When the Celtics are at their best, they’re playing focused, disciplined basketball. It’s frustrating when they are not. Although Smart playing the point guard unlocks their outstanding defense, I wish he was a little bit better as a “floor general” (typical basketball analyst buzzword). They need that classic “coach on the floor” point guard who prioritizes getting mismatches and attacking, not playing isolation basketball, and keeping both the ball and players moving.

Brown and Tatum are terrific drive-and-kick players, as they’re outstanding athletes who have strong court vision. They both displayed these skills when Boston went on their runs, attacking the rim hard, and, since Golden State must collapse since they lack rim protection, hitting open shooters all over the floor.

The Warriors have plenty of players to hunt on defense, Curry and Jordan Poole in particular (Poole’s defensive effort resembles that of someone sleepwalking, even Charles Barkley today could score on him). Boston has to realize this and attack mismatches, it’s really not that complicated. They are the more talented and athletic team, it’s just a matter of their mindset on the court.

Heading into Game 6, it’s highly unlikely that Curry will play this poorly again, but to be fair it didn’t matter too much last time. The fear he puts on a defense opens things up so well for the rest of his teammates, creating space and driving lanes that Wiggins, Poole, and others capitalize on. Even when he’s off his game, he’s an incredibly valuable offensive player.

If Boston sticks to their game plan and takes care of the ball, they should coast to a victory. But that last sentence could have applied to literally any game this postseason. This team is that skilled, their size is that big, and they’re that well-coached that when they bring their A-game, no one can beat them.

Game 6 comes down to what version of their team shows up. You know Golden State will be ready for the death blow – but in the biggest game of their lives, how will the youthful Celtics come out?

?It's only their season that's on the line.