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Boston Celtics: 3 reasons C’s are capable of dethroning Warriors

By Dan Orencole

BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Boston’s ability to defend guards

The two teams played twice last season.

Boston won 92-88 at home in the first matchup and the Warriors won 109-105 at home.

In the two matchups the biggest difference was Marcus Smart.

With Thompson and Curry making up Golden State’s backcourt, at least one of those two have to be slowed down.

Marcus Smart coming off the bench in the 92-88 win showed how valuable he truly is to the team and that his 4-year $52 million contract is well worth the money spent.

Smart was +15 on the court in 30 minutes and had a defensive rating of 83, the number of points allowed per 100 possessions and helped hold Golden State to under 100 points, a tall task to do.

Curry was just 3-for-14 shooting 2-for-9 from three-point land and scored just 9 points. Thompson scored 13 points on 5-for-18 shooting and was 3-for-11 shooting behind the three-point line.
That game proved that the Celtics are capable of beating the Warriors.

Next. Boston Celtics: 3 reasons team is ‘as good as advertised’. dark

Key returns and added experience

With Gordon Hayward returned from injury and Kyrie Irving back for another season to go along with another year of experience for guys such as Jayson Tatum, Terry Rozier, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart.

If all of these guys are healthy come playoff time, the Celtics are the only team in the NBA that can beat the Warriors and in order to do so it will take six or seven games and Boston will have to wear down Golden State and defend to the ability its shown.

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