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Boston Celtics: 3 ways the Golden State Warriors restored team’s swag

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 19: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics and Marcus Smart #36 laugh together during the game against the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden on December 19, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Suns defeat the Celtics 111-103. 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, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 19: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics and Marcus Smart #36 laugh together during the game against the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden on December 19, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Suns defeat the Celtics 111-103. 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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Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Warriors have their own dysfunction

Like the Boston Celtics, the Golden State Warriors are a very talented team even without the services of Klay Thompson.  They are also a team, like the Celtics, who also appear bored with the regular season.

Unlike the 2018-19 Celtics, however, the Warriors have a history of turning it on in the playoffs.  As the defending back-to-back NBA champions, they reserve the right to do so.

That doesn’t excuse their lack of energy and motivation in a big game against a team predicted to challenge them for a title.  There was certainly no excuse for this defensive play (or lack thereof) coming out of halftime down big to the Celtics:

https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1103160053878513664

Oh, and that wasn’t even the worse of the defensive hustle and lack of communication from the Warriors who looked like the Boston Celtics did in the previous game in Houston.

With All-Star players like Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Draymond Green, Golden State should not lose at home by 33 points to any opponent not matter how interested or lack of interested they are in the game.

What it showed the Boston Celtics is that they can compete with Golden State and beat them in their arena.  They put their foot on the pedal from the start of the game and continued to accelerate throughout the game, particularly in the quarters where they struggle.

In summary, the Celtics extended their lead in the second and third quarters which has to put some swagger back in their confidence.

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