Kristaps Porzingis' debut with the Celtics offered some exciting glimpses, but it was Boston's depth, ball movement, and rebounding prowess that eventually wore down the Warriors, culminating in a 121-110 victory for the Celtics.
The Warriors managed to sink 20 threes, yet they struggled to maintain consistent stops and capitalize on second-chance opportunities. Despite some standout individual performances, they couldn't overcome the Celtics' peak 34-point lead.
Without Stephen Curry, the Warriors had little room for error, and against this formidable Celtics squad, they couldn't afford any slow stretches. Here's a breakdown of how each Warrior performed:
Gui Santos: B+
Santos was a bright spot early on, confidently firing from deep with five triples that provided much-needed life to the offense. His defensive efforts, including jumping passing lanes and battling on the glass, kept the Warriors competitive.
De’Anthony Melton: B+
Melton was aggressive, attacking gaps and breaking down the defense off the dribble. Although he left some points at the free-throw line, his assertiveness was crucial in preventing a more significant deficit.
Will Richard: B
Richard came off the bench with a scoring punch, confidently shooting from deep and attacking closeouts. His efficiency and defensive activity added value to the Warriors' efforts.
Brandin Podziemski: B+
Podziemski filled the stat sheet, contributing across the board. His seven rebounds from the guard position helped limit second chances, and his six assists kept the ball moving smoothly.
Gary Payton II: B+
Payton brought energy with his cuts to the rim, quick finishes in transition, and timely threes. Defensively, he pressured ball-handlers and created chaos, consistently impacting the game positively.
Kristaps Porzingis: B
Porzingis showcased his skills, confidently shooting from three, altering shots, and moving well within the offense. While he needs to improve his conditioning and chemistry, his potential was evident, even in a loss.
Pat Spencer: C+
Spencer played a steady role as a point guard, dishing out seven assists without committing a turnover. Although his scoring was limited, he organized the offense effectively and applied defensive pressure.
Moses Moody: C+
Moody hit open threes but struggled defensively against the Celtics' wings. Missing free throws hindered his momentum, but he contributed offensively when opportunities arose.
Al Horford: C
Horford took on the rebounding and high-post responsibilities but struggled with his shot, affecting the Celtics' spacing. His rebounding effort was typical, but the offense fell short when it mattered.
Draymond Green: F
Green had an off night, failing to score and struggling to impact the game. Without Curry to draw defensive attention, Green's open looks didn't convert, leading to a challenging outing.