The Boston Celtics opened the Finals with a decisive victory, seizing the first game of the series in a 120 to 108 win over the Golden State Warriors. The Celtics leaned on a balanced attack led by Al Horford who finished with 26 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Jaylen Brown added 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Derrick White chipped in 21 points as Boston controlled the fourth quarter and kept Jayson Tatum contributing throughout. The Warriors were led by Stephen Curry, who delivered a strong performance but could not sustain his late-game impact as Boston tightened the grip late in the contest.
The Celtics demonstrated a mature, resilient approach that set the tone for the series. Curry caught fire early with remarkable shooting, tallying 21 points and knocking down six three-pointers in the first period. Boston weathered that storm and held a slight advantage at halftime, thanks to steady execution and defensive discipline. In the third quarter, Golden State surged ahead, but Boston responded with a sustained fourth-quarter effort, including a powerful stretch that stifled the Warriors and solidified the win. This performance gave Boston the home-court edge as the series shifted to a best-of-seven format, while Golden State endured its first home defeat of these playoffs.
Head coach Steve Kerr watched his squad struggle to match the Celtics’ cohesion and energy across the floor. While Klay Thompson found his rhythm with a 15-point contribution, and Draymond Green produced a modest scoring night, neither veteran duo could spark the necessary follow-up to sustain a late push. The Celtics, by contrast, leaned on their depth and timely scoring from multiple contributors, a quality that underscored their readiness for a high-stakes series where every possession matters.
With the series now moving forward, both franchises carry distinct narratives. Golden State pursues a fourth championship in eight seasons, a remarkable run that has defined an era for the franchise since 2015. Boston, seeking its 18th title and its first since 2008, positioned itself as a formidable challenger that can leverage a home-court advantage to set the tempo in the next matchup. The tone of the Finals appeared to tilt toward a competitive, two-way battle where star power, depth, and strategic adjustments will determine the winner over the coming games.
Game two of the Finals is scheduled for Sunday and will bring the series back to the Bay Area, a setting that has historically proven pivotal for both teams. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how each coach adjusts, which players step forward in pivotal moments, and whether the Warriors can reclaim momentum on their home floor, or if Boston will carry the early-series momentum into a critical Game three and beyond. The series promises a compelling clash between the Celtics’ steady, multi-weapon attack and the Warriors’ high-velocity, three-point shooting approach, with stakes high and expectations even higher as the championship race unfolds across the coming days and weeks.