Warriors Beat Celtics Behind Amazing Defense

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Yes, the Warriors just beat the Celtics. The lead really started in the second quarter, and ever since then, the Warriors never really looked back. The Celtics and the Warriors, however, were both very sloppy, turning the ball over numerous times. Golden State won by a final score of 101-83— a blowout victory. This is the best start before new years in 32 years for the Warriors.

December 29, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Boston Celtics (L-R) power forward Kevin Garnett (5), point guard Rajon Rondo (9), small forward Paul Pierce (34), and shooting guard Jason Terry (4) sit on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors defeated the Celtics 101-83. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In the first quarter, the Warriors lead 19-11 early, and had a really good flow to start. The offense was clicking and best of all the Warriors were really angering Paul Pierce into fouls and turnovers. The Celtics shot ten percent below their regular free throw percentage. Their second unit dominated efficiently, and the Warriors lead 29-23 at the end of the first quarter. Harrison Barnes led the Warriors with ten points through the first ten minutes.

The Warriors stormed off to a 33-23 lead early in the second quarter. They pressured the Celtics, and exploded to an 11-2 run, pushing the lead to 40-25. The fast pace benefited the Warriors, but Klay Thompson couldn’t avoid his usual foul trouble. Barnes, by half time, had a team-leading 13 points. His inconsistency once again showed, but in a good way. The Warriors led 57-40 at half time.

Then came the third quarter, and with it, trouble?

The Warriors started the quarter sluggish, but Boston went back and forth with them. All of a sudden, scoring picked up both ways, but the Celtics began to edge the Warriors a little bit. Because of countless Warrior’ turnovers, the Celtics finished the third quarter on a 14-3 run, cutting the lead to 11. The score was 76-67.

The one word of the fourth quarter was again sloppy. After some time, the Warriors, behind Jarrett Jack’s fourth quarter run, took the lid off the bucket and pushed out to their largest lead of the night at 21.

They really blossomed and outshined the C’s. Of course, that could be because of Rajon Rondo’s absence. The Warriors were able to take advantage of that, they only had 17 assists, compared to the Warriors’ 21. The final score was 101-83, another Warrior win.

Stephen Curry finished with 22 points and nine assists, Lee finished with 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists, and Klay Thompson, silently having an excellent game, finished with 13 points, six rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. If Klay is in a shooting slump, he knows what he’s doing.

The key stat of the game was Paul Pierce’s 4-for-20 shooting night. The Warriors have set a record with 12 wins in one month. The Warriors next two games are against HUGE rivals, the LA Clippers. Tune into Golden Gate Sports for full coverage.