Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks for an opening around Golden State Warriors guard Donte DiVincenzo, left, in the first half at TD Garden in Boston on Thu Jan 19, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Fall In Overtime To Celtics 121-118

By Barbara Mason

Fresh off a win over the Washington Wizards on Monday nighT. This would be a battle of the Titans. Boston features Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown facing off against the “Splash Brothers” Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The Celtics also have numerous weapons with Marcus Smart, Al Horford and Robert Williams III. The Warriors just couldn’t overcome the Celtics at the Garden taking a 121-118 overtime loss

The first quarter was close from just about start to finish. The Celtics did have a five point lead at one point in the quarter but when the buzzer ran out on the opening quarter it was Golden State that held the lead 26-25.

The second quarter was more of the same. This was a very close game through two quarters and again Golden State led after two by a single point 55-54. Thompson had a great half with 20 points. With 1.1 left on the clock Curry drained a 46-foot three point jumper.

The Warriors picked up where they left off in the first half and with 7:28 left in the third quarter had a 73-64 lead. Golden State had also protected the ball well so far in this game with only nine turnovers. Draymond Green had ten rebounds and Curry, Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole were all in double digits mid-way through the quarter.

The Warriors maintained the lead through the third quarter winning it 34-28 and leading after three 89-82. Curry, Thompson, and Poole had 22 points apiece through three quarters. Kevon Looney and Green had 11 rebounds apiece in a well-balanced game. The challenge now would be to hold off the Celtics in the fourth quarter no easy task.

The Warriors offense began to stumble in the later minutes of the final quarter with too many empty possessions. With 2:19 left in the game the Warriors were clinging to a 102-98 lead. With 18 seconds left on the clock a Curry shot for the win fell short. The Celtics had 0.5 seconds to break the 106 tie and win this game. Boston could not hit the final shot of regulation and this game would go into overtime.

The Celtics got on the board quickly in overtime with two baskets and taking a 110-106 lead. The lead would see-saw in this high caliber game. Boston had struggled for most of the night from downtown but that was not the case in overtime. They started hitting three’s and led 118-113 with 1:02 left. The poor Warrior offense in the final minutes of the fourth quarter as well as the overtime was the straw that broke the camel’s back,

The Warriors are now five and 18 on the road losing a close one. Curry finished with the high 29 points, Thompson (who fouled out in overtime) and Poole both had 24 points.Green had 13 rebounds and Looney had 12.

Golden State will barely have a chance to catch their breath before they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Friday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.