B/R Staff Predictions: Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors 2022 NBA Finals
The Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors enter the 2022 NBA Finals as two of the most decorated teams in league history.
Boston is looking for its 18th title—the one that will put it over the Los Angeles Lakers (17) for most all-time.
The Warriors are seeking No. 7—the one that will put them over the Chicago Bulls (6) for sole possession of the No. 3 spot.
With implications of historic proportion on the line, Bleacher Report asked our NBA experts to predict who walks away with the Larry O'Brien Trophy and which star earns this year's Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award.
Celtics Have Been Good vs. Kerr's Warriors
There are a number of reasons Boston is the only team in the NBA with a winning record against the Steve Kerr-coached Warriors.
Defensively, the Celtics match up better than others because of their ability to switch with length and/or good lateral quickness at every position. Golden State is used to opponents matchup-hunting Stephen Curry, but Boston's bevy of playmakers will make hiding him a lot harder.
Curry the shooter will be a tough cover as always, but no one gives him more fits as a defender than Marcus Smart.
Champion: Boston Celtics
Finals MVP: Jayson Tatum
Warriors Have a Slight Edge
The Celtics have been the best team in the league since January, and they're the scariest postseason defense the Warriors have ever seen.
This one is going seven, but Golden State has a small edge on offense and perhaps an even more meaningful advantage in the experience category. Home-court advantage doesn't hurt, either.
Whether Stephen Curry racks up 40-point nights or not, his gravity will open up opportunities for his teammates. He is always the Warriors' most impactful player. Plus, he's due. Finals MVP is basically the only honor he's never won.
Champion: Golden State Warriors
Finals MVP: Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry Is Due
Stephen Curry finally puts the last feather in his Hall of Fame cap, winning his first Finals MVP in his sixth championship series.
The Warriors have the firepower to take down an equally talented Celtics squad, with their experience ultimately deciding the series.
Golden State's dynasty lives on, even without Kevin Durant.
Champion: Golden State Warriors
Finals MVP: Stephen Curry
Celtics Have the Defense...and the Firepower to Win
Boston is a fantastic defensive team with enough firepower to match Golden State.
The Warriors are also one of the best defensive teams in the league, but in their most potent scoring lineups Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole are defensive weak spots. Klay Thompson still isn’t quite himself yet defensively. The Warriors will struggle to find lineups that can score on and defend against Boston’s bigger wings. Marcus Smart is a pest. The potential return of Gary Payton II could make a difference.
The Celtics will best the Warriors in six tough games.
Champion: Boston Celtics
Finals MVP: Jayson Tatum
Warriors Have More Answers Than Celtics
Though this series should be a defensive masterpiece, the Warriors feel like they'll have more answers for the Celtics than vice versa.
Boston's half-court offense has devolved too many times throughout the playoffs when it has leads and in fourth quarters, and Golden State's avalanche of off-ball movement should take its toll on a defense currently featuring a banged-up Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III.
Champion: Golden State Warriors
Finals MVP: Stephen Curry
Health Is a Key Factor
A fully healthy Boston squad could beat Golden State. In fact, the Celtics might even be the smart pick in that scenario. The versatility to play big (with Al Horford and Robert Williams III) or positionless (thanks to the switchability of Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum) should allow them to counterpunch with the Warriors as well as anyone.
Smart and Williams being hampered is no small thing, though.
Boston has the NBA's best defense, but those two players are arguably the keys. More minutes for Payton Pritchard or Grant Williams gives Golden State more targets to attack.
Oh, and Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have a little more experience on this stage than the Celtics.
Champion: Golden State Warriors
Finals MVP: Stephen Curry
Time to Double Down on the Celtics
It’s difficult to bet against Stephen Curry and Draymond Green and the championship pedigree throughout the Warriors organization, but Boston has the defensive firepower and star scoring to compete with Golden State as well as anyone.
I’ve been touting the Celtics as the best team in the league since late February. It’s time to double down.
Jayson Tatum Finals MVP. Celtics in six.
Champion: Boston Celtics
Finals MVP: Jayson Tatum
Final Tally
Champion
Golden State Warriors: 4
Boston Celtics: 3
Finals MVP
Stephen Curry: 4
Jayson Tatum: 3