Andrew Wiggins was the star for Golden State as they eased to a 104-94 victory in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, taking their first lead of the series. This was the first time in the 2022 playoffs that Boston has lost back-to-back games.

The Warriors started hot on both ends of the floor, beginning 8/12 from the field on offense while holding Boston to a 4/15 shooting start. GSW’s smothering defence too much for Boston to handle. Thankfully after a spell on the bench, Jayson Tatum knocked down three straight shots to cut the Warriors lead to 11 points. 

The Celtics shooting struggles continued into the second quarter with the team ultimately starting 0/12 from three with the aggressive play of Wiggins on both ends proving too much. The former no.1 pick finished with 9 points in the quarter and 16 points in the first half, giving GSW a 51-39 lead going into halftime. 

The break appeared to do Boston good as they came out red hot to begin the 3rd quarter. A 10-0 start including back-to-back threes from Tatum, brought the visitors to within 2 points. Al Horford then hit the Celtics 8th straight three pointer (carrying over from the second quarter) to give Boston their first lead of the game. 

A 19-4 start from Boston saw them lead by as many as 5 points in the third after beginning the quarter down 12. However, Jordan Poole banked in yet another outrageous three pointer at the buzzer to give the Warriors a 1-point advantage going into the final period. 

The buzzer beater from Poole appeared to take the life out of Boston with the Warriors beginning the fourth on a 10-0 run, despite Steph Curry resting to begin the quarter. The Celtics offensive struggles returned as they began 1/10 from the field. Turnovers (which plagued Boston throughout the game) continued in the 4 as they committed 4 T/O’s in crucial moments, leading to five points. A three from Klay Thompson equaled the Warriors largest lead of the game (16 points) as the home team finished strong and eased to victory.

Wiggins led the way for Golden State with 26 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block, while Thompson had 21 points and Curry adding 16 points and 8 assists, despite having one of the worst shooting nights of his career (0/9 from 3pt land). Tatum led the way for Boston with 27/10/4 with Marcus Smart adding 20 points. 

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(Photo- Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)