NBA Finals: Steph Curry’s 43-point Game 4 helps Warriors even series with Celtics
3 years ago
Steph Curry #StephCurry
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry puts up a shot against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9), forward Jayson Tatum (0) and center Al Horford (42) during Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night in Boston. (Elsa/Pool Photo via AP)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry puts up a shot against Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the first quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Gary Payton II of the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors looks to pass the ball defended by Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics drives past Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Kevon Looney of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Derrick White of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors argues with referee Kane Fitzgerald #5 in the first quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics brings the ball up court after a turnover by Stephen Curry #30 in the first quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry loses control of the ball defended by Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum attempts to block a shot by Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry during the first quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry drives against Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams, center, off a screen set by center Kevon Looney (5) during the first quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) and Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) battle for a rebound during the first quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) puts up a three-point shot against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talks with players during a timeout during the first quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry passes the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) looks to drive against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a play in the first quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) passes the ball against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the first quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry reacts during the first quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) drives against Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) puts up a shot against Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball defended by Kevon Looney of the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors loses control of the ball against Derrick White of the Boston Celtics in the second quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors loses control of the ball against Derrick White of the Boston Celtics in the second quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry fights for position against Jaylen Brown #7 and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in the second quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics drives against Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry loses control of the ball against Jaylen Brown #7 and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in the second quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
A Boston Celtics cheerleader holds up a sign for fans in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Former Boston Celtics player Bill Walton waves to fans in the crowd in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Former Boston Celtics player Bill Walton attends Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry shoots the ball against Al Horford #42 and Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics in the second quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) puts up a shot against Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5), guard Gary Payton II, and forward Otto Porter Jr. (32) during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics celebrates a basket in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) puts up a shot against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) passes the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics talk over a play in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry drives against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives against Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins, left, and forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) looks to pass against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White puts up a shot against Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives against Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry reacts after a play in the second quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry reacts after a play by Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics in the second quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) goes up for a shot against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and guard Klay Thompson (11) during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) puts up a shot against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) puts up a shot against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) puts up a shot against Golden State Warriors forward Otto Porter Jr. (32) during the second quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) blocks a shot by Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the third quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) goes up for a shot against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (Kyle Terada/Pool Photo via AP)
Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors drives past Grant Williams of the Boston Celtics in the third quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives against Golden State Warriors forward Otto Porter Jr. (32) and guard Steph Curry during the third quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against Gary Payton II of the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) and Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) battle for a rebound during the third quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against Otto Porter Jr. and Draymond Green, right, of the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry reacts during the third quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Al Horford of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against Gary Payton II of the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Al Horford of the Boston Celtics controls the ball defended by Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Derrick White of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry puts up a shot against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (Elsa/Pool Photo via AP)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry celebrates a 3-point basket in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics reacts to a play in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors looks on in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Head coach Ime Udoka of the Boston Celtics calls out a play in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Otto Porter Jr. of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics in the third quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry puts up a shot against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) and guard Derrick White (9) during the third quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) puts up a shot against Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) during Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) puts up a shot against Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (Elsa/Pool Photo via AP)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry reacts after a call with referee Eric Lewis #42 in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry reacts to a play against Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics in the third quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Jaylen Brown and Robert Williams III of the Boston Celtics react to a play in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry shoots the ball against Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics in the third quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry celebrates a 3-point basket during the third quarter of Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Friday night in Boston. Curry had 43 points and 10 rebounds in a 107-97 win that tied the best-of-seven series, 2-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry celebrates a 3-point basket during the third quarter of Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Friday night in Boston. Curry had 43 points and 10 rebounds in a 107-97 win that tied the best-of-seven series, 2-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry reacts as Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) during the third quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) passes the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Basketball fans react during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry is double teamed by Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry is double teamed by Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) and forward Malik Fitts (8) during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics and Kevon Looney of the Golden State Warriors compete for a loose ball in the fourth quarter during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Golden State Warriors won 107-97. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry goes up for a shot against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals against Golden State Warriors, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) passes the ball against Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) is double teamed by Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney, right, and guard Klay Thompson (11) during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Boston Celtics players react during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry puts up a shot against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) and forward Andrew Wiggins (22) battle for a rebound against Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) scramble for a loose ball during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry goes up for a shot against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) and guard Derrick White (9) during Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (Kyle Terada/Pool Photo via AP)
Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors celebrates a basket in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Golden State Warriors won 107-97. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry follows through on a shot against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry reacts during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry and forward Draymond Green (23) high five during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry hugs guard Jordan Poole (3) after beating the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry celebrates after beating the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writer
BOSTON — He stomped his feet, waved his arms, flexed his muscles and talked back to the crowd.
And Steph Curry also made baskets. Plenty of those, too.
In a demonstrative and dominating performance that was one of the best of his postseason career, Curry scored 43 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 107-97 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night, sending the best-of-seven series back to San Francisco knotted at two games apiece.
Two nights after shaking off a foot injury in a Game 3 loss, the two-time league MVP stomped and shot his way to his third-highest scoring total in the postseason, adding 10 rebounds and making a pair of baskets during a 10-0 fourth-quarter run that turned a four-point Boston edge into a 100-94 Golden State lead. It was the second-most points he has scored in an NBA Finals game.
“The heart on that man is incredible,” Warriors guard Klay Thompson said. “The things he does, we kind of take for granted at times, to go out there and put us on his back. We’ve got to help him out on Monday.”
Andrew Wiggins had 17 points and 16 rebounds for the Warriors, who have won at least one road game for an NBA-record 27 consecutive playoff series since 2013. They will host Game 5 on Monday night, with Game 6 in Boston on Thursday; Golden State would hold the home-court advantage in a seventh game, if necessary.
“We had to do it the difficult way,” said Celtics coach Ime Udoka, whose team is 7-0 after losses in the 2022 postseason. “We have to do it again. It could have been an easier road, obviously, if you get the win tonight. But we’re 2-2 now. We know we can do it. We’ve done it before.”
Jayson Tatum had 23 points and 11 rebounds for Boston, but he managed just one basket while playing the entire fourth quarter. Jaylen Brown scored 21 points and Robert Williams III had 12 rebounds.
Marcus Smart, who scored 18 points, hit a 3-pointer to give the Celtics a 94-90 lead with just over five minutes remaining. But they missed six straight shots and did not score again until the 1:18 mark, after Curry made a floater and a 3-pointer to give the Warriors a 100-94 lead.
“He wasn’t letting us lose. That’s all it boils down to,” Warriors forward Draymond Green said. “I could tell in his demeanor, last couple of days, even after Game 3 that he was going to come out with that kind of fire.”
Curry was more demonstrative than usual, raising his arms after failing to get a foul call, interacting with the sold-out TD Garden crowd and flexing to celebrate a big Warriors basket. Rather than returning home at the brink of elimination, the Warriors moved closer to a fourth NBA title in eight years.
“I felt like we just had to let everybody know that we were here tonight,” Curry said. “Whether that’s their crowd, their team, our team, whoever wants to see that energy and that fire, we feed off of that.”
Fans arriving at the TD Garden for what could have been the final time this season found a T-shirt draped over their seats with the 17 NBA championship banners lined up on the front. There was a blank rectangle where the 18th would go.
Now the Celtics would need to win at least one more time in San Francisco to fill in the blank.
The amped-up crowd spent much of the game booing Green, chanting an obscenity at him that is usually reserved for Bucky Dent, and jeering his many misses. He shot 1 for 7 but finished with nine rebounds and eight assists to go with two points.
Green also had an offensive rebound and a dish to Curry after returning to the game in the final minute to eliminate any chance of a Boston comeback.
“He’s the ultimate competitor. … Made huge plays down the stretch,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “This is a tough series for him to score because of Boston’s size and athleticism, but he’s still impacting the game at a huge level.”
INJURY REPORT
Curry’s foot was an issue coming into the night after Boston’s Al Horford landed on it late in Game 3. But didn’t seem to bother him on Friday night: He played 41 minutes – only Wiggins spent more time on the court for the Warriors – and made 14 of 26 shots, going 7 for 14 from 3-point range.
“Never even looked like it was a factor,” Kerr said. “The physicality out there is pretty dramatic. Boston’s got the best defense in the league – huge and powerful at every position, and for Steph to take that kind of pressure all game long and still be able to defend … I think this is the strongest physically he’s ever been in his career.”
Williams was listed as questionable coming into the game with the knee injury that kept him out at the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs. He started strong, with 10 rebounds in the first half, but he was limping in the second half and on the bench in the final minutes.
He finished with seven points to go with four assists and two blocked shots, playing 31 minutes.
TURNOVERS DOOM CELTICS AGAIN
For three quarters, the Celtics responded to nearly every punch the Warriors threw at them.
But mistakes and an inability to beat back one final charge by Golden State in the fourth quarter proved costly. Now, they find themselves in a best-of-three series.
The team which has made resiliency its calling card in must-win situations will now have to do it one more time if it hopes to win the franchise’s 18th championship.
Tatum was disappointed in his performance. He didn’t shoot the ball well – he just 8 for 23 from the field – and didn’t take care of it; he had six of Boston’s 16 turnovers that led to 19 Golden State points.
Boston has shown 16 is a number that more often than not leads to defeat. The Celtics are now 1-6 this postseason when committing 16 or more turnovers. When they commit 15 or fewer, they are 13-2.
“It’s on me. I got to be better,” Tatum said. “I know I’m impacting the game in other ways, but I got to be more efficient, shoot the ball better, finish at the rim better.”
Smart said the Celtics didn’t play well at crunch time.
“We just didn’t execute late down the stretch,” he said. “They went on a run early on in the third. We sustained it, made a run of our own. After that, we just couldn’t execute.”
The setback overshadowed a big night by Robert Williams, who was effective before being forced to the bench as he appeared to hobble on his surgically repaired left knee.
He sat the final 3:41 of the game, but Udoka said he didn’t notice anything wrong with Williams and hadn’t been informed of any issue.
Williams has been listed as day-to-day throughout the playoffs and how much he’ll be able to play in Game 5 will be a concern.
The Celtics seemed to be in control of Game 4 and destined to a commanding lead in the series, hitting 15 3-pointers and responding to several scoring runs by the Warriors.
Things changed in the fourth as Boston’s turnovers continued to mount. Then when they couldn’t score late in the game, its fate was sealed.
The Celtics took a 94-90 lead with 5:18 left in the fourth before missing their next six shots. Golden State took advantage, scoring 10 straight points and never trailed again.
Boston was outscored 28-19 over the final 12 minutes.
Udoka said his team got caught ball watching at times and it had an effect on how the ball moved in the half court.
“We had plenty of opportunities, obviously. Every time we got a five-, six-point lead, it felt like we made some poor decisions,” Udoka said. “Whether it was rushed shots in traffic or … standing around and looking at each other a little bit there.”
If there is a solace for the Celtics, it’s that they are 7-0 this postseason following a loss.
“There’s certain things we got to clean up. … Would we have liked to have won today and be up 3-1? That would have been best-case scenario,” Tatum said. “But it’s the Finals. The art of competition, they came here feeling like they had to win. It wasn’t easy. I think that’s kind of the beauty of it, that it’s not going to be easy. It shouldn’t be.”
THIRD TIME
The Warriors won the third quarter for the fourth game in a row, but not as decisively as they had previously.
Golden State had a 30-24 edge coming out of the break, closing with a 14-7 run to erase a six-point Boston lead. Curry scored 14 points in the quarter, making four 3-pointers.
The Warriors have outscored the Celtics by a combined score of 136-87 in the third quarters of this series.
This time, it was the fourth quarter that was decisive, with the Warriors scoring 17 of the game’s last 20 points.
