when the superlative energy of the stands improves defense and boosts attacks

Statistics, sometimes, are not synonymous with certainties. In previous series, en route to the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, the Boston Celtics had their best record on the road. Yes, they earned more abroad than at home. Rare. TD Garden is a wonderful stadium. And if there is a sixth man who plays without stepping on the parquet, it is that building full of history.

What is this introduction about? I have seen many games in my life, but this game 3 was, perhaps, the most exciting and the one that I enjoyed the most along with this wonderful audience. The energy transmitted by the Celtics fans is superlative. Undoubtedly, this energy increases the jumping ability of the players, giving them that defensive attitude and leg strength to neutralize, help rotate and rebound, even being slower, as the Celtics reflected at the beginning of the game and in the last quarter.

All that good vibes that came down from the stands automatically translated into high productivity that led to a 28-13 run in the first quarter. Draymond Greenthis time, he could not with a formidable Jaylen Brown, who attacked him in every way, penetrating and from long distance, to make a difference from the start.

Draymond Green and his physical game to stop, without much luck, Jaylen Brown. Photo: AP

The local game was much more fluid. This time Marcus Smart had a leading role with the ball and attacking the basket, the same as Al Horfordwhich felt like always passing the ball and attacking closer to the rim than in recent games. It seemed that Boston would go to the locker room with a very wide marginbut 5 minutes from the end of the first half, the Warriors reacted after two free-kicks missed by the Dominican -which could have increased the maximum difference to 19 points-.

That’s when, again, the losses of the Celtics appeared. Every drive and volley was anticipated by the Warriors’ quick, electrifying defenders. Those recoveries gave more play on the open court. already parked, Stephen Curry abused Horford’s chronic error passivity in straight-blocking situations on defense. It gave him a little bit of space and that for Curry is easier than a layup. His shot, after dribbling, is his DNA and even more so being a specialist in enjoying the pick and roll. He shot him dead from a distance. In parallel, and what all Golden State expected from the beginning of the series, reappeared with her silk doll Klay Thompson that with indirect curtains put them into play.

Already at the beginning of the third quarter -again- the Warriors played their best period (33-25) and the decline of the locals manifested itself in several key situations. Green completely denied Brown reception by displaying his specialty: BEING AN EXPERT IN THE ART OF ANNOYING. The departure of the great Robert Williams was key. To all this, Curry was still shooting from Saturn and Jayson Tatum’s passivity and forced penetrations definitely put the game in total uncertainty.. Already felt among the fans that nervous murmur that Curry and Klay Thompson cause when they have the ball in their hands and in shooting position. They knew they did not forgive.

Otto Porter Jr. fouls Al Horford. Photo: AP

But the trend changed. From the last quarter the best version of the Boston Celtics was seen. It was exquisite as a coach to watch from behind the rim how the defenses executed.

What did they do to erase the rival from the field? Very simple: Smart played Curry physical and took him out of the game. He threw the truck on him and, without a doubt, he showed that he eats meat with blood.

Then the defensive flag bearer, the best goalkeeper a team can have is called Robert Williams, absolute owner of the paint. He was the protector of the basket in each penetration of the rivals and corrector of all those who he wanted and could not culminate with a penetration in attack. Also, in pick-and-roll situations, he played higher than his teammate Horford, moved and attacked Curry more.

Stephen Curry tries to escape Marcus Smart’s sticky mark. Photo: AP

Not only defense was the key. This time the attack was not only supported by two players, but there were several who produced to add and add to the score. In this last period, Tatum was exclusive, who sank the Warriors with his penetrations. Smart converted from all positions. And, to make matters worse for the Warriors, the other Williams appeared, Grant, who was key in opening the court from long distance and vital in charging the offensive rebound from the perimeter.

A) Yes, those of Ime Udoka finished wearing their rivals and built a 116-100 victory in the third chapter of the series to go 2-1 and with home court advantage in their favor after the victory in episode 1 in San Francisco. The Celtics won, with players of great character and all with points in their hands. It was a great game, full of emotions and pure adrenaline that come, without a doubt, from the moving fans of the Boston Celtics and their enormous history.