‍The Golden State Warriors bounced back to win Game 2 of the NBA Finals, thanks to a 35-14 third quarter performance. This thumping out of the half allowed the Warriors to ease to a 107-88 victory and tie the series at 1-1.

A tight game throughout the first half, with the Celtics staying in touch thanks to the performance of Jayson Tatum & Jaylen Brown who both scored 13 points in the opening period, after struggling early in Game 1. 

Tatum’s great scoring continued in the second quarter, but it wasn’t enough to give Boston the lead at the half. An Andrew Wiggins layup in the closing seconds giving the Warriors a 52-50 lead at the break. 

The Warriors dominated the 3 quarter in Game 1, and it was the same case in Game 2, except this time it decided the game. The GSW defence dominated the Celtics as they built their lead. 

A Jordan Poole three pointer from mid court as the game clock expired giving Golden State a 23-point lead heading into the final period. 

The bench units played out virtually the entire 4 quarter with the Warriors sealing the win inside the first three quarters, largely thanks to their defence and aggression. GSW had 15 steals in the game and scored 33 points off Celtics turnovers. 

Steph Curry led the way for Golden State with 29 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals, while Poole added 17 points off the bench. Tatum led the way for Boston with 28/6/3, while Brown added 17/6/3.

The Warriors showed why they have been to 6 of the last 8 NBA Finals, virtually winning the game in the third quarter alone. But the Celtics will take comfort knowing they won 74-72 in the other three quarters and if they can play more consistently over 48 minutes in the remaining games, they still have a great chance of winning a record 18 championship.

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(Photo- Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports)