What went wrong for the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the NBA Finals?
The Celtics led 91-86 with 7:32 remaining but were outscored 21-6 by the Warriors in the rest of Game 4.
The Golden State Warriors went home with a road win and the series even at 2-2 after Game 4 on Friday night.
The Boston Celtics’ offense failed to execute at the worst possible time. The Golden State Warriors went on to take advantage in the fourth quarter to win 107-97.
The Celtics led 91-86 with 7:32 remaining but were outscored 21-6 in the rest of the game.
Let down by offensive execution
“Offensively, stalled out a little bit,” Celtics head coach Ime Udoka postgame.
“We got some good looks from three. But other than the one that Al made, I wouldn’t say we got stagnant.
“We did get some good shots off, but we would like to get a little bit more downhill and get some things to the rim and kick out. Credit to them. They stepped up defensively when it counted. Our offense wasn’t as sharp as it needed to be, no doubt.”
Poor decisions made
The Celtics players struggled and failed to attack the offensive glass well. Udoka explained more of what he saw in Game 4.
“We had plenty of opportunities,” Udoka added. “Every time we got a five-, six-point lead, it felt like we made some poor decisions, whether it was rushed shots in traffic or standing around and looking at each other a little bit there. Not sure if we tried to pick on mismatches too much. Got stalled out a little bit.
“When we did run off-ball actions and got some movement, we got some really good looks. We wanted to get the ball up quick and get into an offense. If we don’t have anything, still make them work the clock. A lot of times it felt like we were standing around, unsure of who we were trying to go after, and it led to those stalled-down possessions.”
Celtics let 3-1 lead slip
Udoka’s men failed to take a 3-1 series lead, and are now tied with the Warriors. Another win for the Warriors on Monday night would see them jump into a 3-2 lead.
“That’s gone along with our season, especially this postseason. We had to do it the difficult way,” Udoka explained.
“We have been battle-tested throughout some series, Milwaukee, Miami. We have to do it again.
“It could have been an easier road, obviously, if you get the win tonight. But it is what it is. We’re 2-2 now. We know we can do it. We’ve done it before. Keep your head up and let’s go get one on the road.”
Game 5
The series now heads west all square at 2-2. Game 5 will be on Monday at 9:00 pm ET from the Chase Center.