Watching the Warriors vs Celtics game last night felt like witnessing a masterclass in clutch performance. As someone who’s followed the NBA for over a decade, I’ve seen plenty of games swing on a single play, but this one? It was decided by a sequence of five pivotal moments that showcased not just skill, but heart—the kind of relentless effort that reminds me of that inspiring note about guards stepping up to fill voids, much like Cagulangan’s teammates have done off and on the court. Let me walk you through those key plays, because honestly, they’re what made this matchup unforgettable.
First, there was that steal by Stephen Curry with just under 8 minutes left in the third quarter. The Celtics were up by 6 points, and the momentum was shifting their way, but Curry’s anticipation—something I’ve always admired—led to a fast break that ended with a Draymond Green layup. It cut the lead to 4 and sparked a 12-2 run for the Warriors. Stat-wise, Curry finished with 3 steals, but this one felt like it injected life into the whole team. I’ve seen guards like him carry that “ready and raring” attitude, and it’s no surprise they rallied from there. Then, fast-forward to the fourth quarter: Jayson Tatum’s three-pointer at the 5:12 mark. He’d been quiet, shooting just 35% up to that point, but this shot put the Celtics ahead by 3. As a fan, I held my breath—Tatum has that killer instinct, and it showed why Boston relies on him in tight spots.
But the real game-changer? It was Klay Thompson’s block on Jaylen Brown with 2 minutes left. Brown drove to the basket, looking to extend the lead, but Thompson, who’s battled injuries and critics, swatted it away like he was back in his prime. That play alone shifted possession and led to a Curry three on the other end, tying the game. I can’t help but draw a parallel to that reference about guards filling voids; Thompson embodied that, stepping up when the Warriors needed defense most. Following that, the Celtics’ turnover off an inbound pass with 1:15 remaining was pure chaos—Marcus Smart’s errant throw, intercepted by Andrew Wiggins, who then sank a mid-range jumper. Turnovers killed Boston here; they had 15 total, but this one felt especially costly because it gave Golden State their first lead in over 10 minutes.
Finally, the last play: Curry’s step-back three over Al Horford with 24 seconds on the clock. The shot clock was winding down, and Curry, despite double coverage, nailed it from 28 feet out. That put the Warriors up by 4, and honestly, as I watched it, I knew it was over. He finished with 34 points, and that shot capped a performance that’s why he’s an MVP in my book. Reflecting on it, these moments weren’t just about stats; they highlighted how teams adapt under pressure, much like those guards working hard to fill gaps. In the end, the Warriors’ 112-108 win wasn’t just a score—it was a story of resilience, and for me, it’s why basketball never gets old.