Warriors beat Celtics 103-90 to win 4th NBA title in 8 years

Jun 16, 2022, 8:46 PM | Updated: Jun 17, 2022, 8:02 am

Golden State Warriors fans cheer on the team against the Boston Celtics during a watch party Thursd...

Golden State Warriors fans cheer on the team against the Boston Celtics during a watch party Thursday, June 16, 2022, in San Francisco for Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)

(AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)

BOSTON (AP) — The Golden State Warriors are NBA champions once again, topping the Boston Celtics 103-90 on Thursday night for their fourth title in the last eight seasons.

Stephen Curry scored 34 points and was named the NBA Finals MVP as the Warriors claimed the franchise’s seventh championship overall. And this one completed a journey like none other, after a run of five consecutive finals, then a plummet to the bottom of the NBA, and now a return to greatness just two seasons after having the league’s worst record.

“We found a way to just get it done,” Curry said after the Warriors accepted the championship trophy and celebrated on the court.

With tears in his eyes and hoarse with emotion, Curry struggled to speak as he explained what allowed the Warriors to capture their latest crown.

“It’s part of a championship pedigree, our experience,” he said. “We built this for 10-11 years. That means a lot when you get to this stage.”

For Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala, it’s a fourth championship. The first three rings came in 2015, 2017 and 2018, when Golden State was dynastic and made five consecutive trips to the finals.

“They’re all unique, they’re all special,” coach Steve Kerr said of the multiple titles. “This one might have been the most unlikely. … It takes a group effort to get it done and we had a great group.”

Injuries, including ones that sidelined Thompson for 2 1/2 years, and roster changes changed everything. But this season, with Thompson returning around the midway point, the Warriors were finally back.

Back on top, too. Champions, again, denying the storied Celtics what would have been their record 18th championship, one that would have allowed Boston to break a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most in league history.

This tale for the Warriors ended much differently than what was their most recent finals appearance against Toronto in 2019, one that saw Kevin Durant tear his Achilles tendon in Game 5 and then Thompson tear his ACL in what became the Raptors’ title-clincher in Game 6.

The aftermath of that loss was exacerbated by Durant’s decision to leave that summer in free agency to join the Brooklyn Nets and Thompson’s own Achilles injury while rehabilitating his knee injury.

“It all paid off,” Thompson said. “It was dog days, a lot of tears shed. … You knew it was a possibility, but to see it in real time. … It’s crazy.”

It thrust a Golden State team into a rebuild that became a reload. The Warriors used their two-year hiatus from the NBA’s biggest stages to retool their roster – adding a past No. 1 draft pick in Andrew Wiggins, who excelled in his first finals, along with another rising star in Jordan Poole.

“This one hits different for sure knowing what the last three years meant, what it’s been like,” Curry said. “Injuries, the changing of the guard, rosters, the young guys. … Now, we got four championships. Me, Dray, Klay and Andre.

“Finally got that bad boy,” Curry added, referring to the MVP trophy. “It’s special. … Everybody mattered in that process.”

Yes, it all clicked.

For Kerr, it’s a ninth championship overall after winning five as a player. He’s the sixth coach to capture four titles, joining Phil Jackson, Red Auerbach, John Kundla, Gregg Popovich and Pat Riley.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 34 points but Jayson Tatum finished with just 13, shooting just 6 of 18 from the field. Boston also committed 22 turnovers, dropping to 1-8 this postseason when committing 16 or more.

It was just the fifth defeat in 22 title-series appearances for Boston, which turned its season around to have a chance at this crown. Boston was 25-25 after 50 games, then went on a tear to get to the finals and nearly claim what would have been just the franchise’s second championship since 1986.

It was the third consecutive season where things were affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and while things were closer to normal, pictures and video of the championship celebration will serve as a forever reminder that the virus was still an issue.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver could not be at the game because he remained in the league’s health and safety protocols related to the virus. The redesigned Larry O’Brien Trophy – the golden souvenir given to the NBA champions – was presented to the Warriors by deputy commissioner Mark Tatum instead.

Boston trailed by as many as 22 points but battled back and cut the deficit to eight. A Jaylen Brown 3-pointer made it 86-78 with 5:33 to play, but the Warriors never relinquished the lead.

“Just couldn’t withstand their runs,” Celtics center Robert Williams said. “Messing up. They played harder and won tonight.”

Curry sent Boston fans streaming toward the exits with his sixth 3 of the night to give the Warriors a commanding 15-point lead, 96-81 — then clasped his hands against face as he ran back down the court, signaling an end to Boston’s hopes of extending the series.

“We’ve had so many great players,” Kerr said, “but Steph, ultimately is why this run happens.”

TIP-INS

Warriors: Went 19 of 45 from the 3-point line. … Improved to 20-1 when Green makes a 3-pointer.

Celtics: Boston’s 13-point loss marked the first finals without a single-digit game. … Former Celtic Ray Allen, a member of Boston’s last championship team in 2008, sat courtside. Hall of Famer Robert Parish was also in attendance.

A RUN, AND A RESPONSE

The Celtics came out firing, riding the energy from a deafening TD Garden crowd to take an early 14-2 lead.

Golden State wasn’t rattled and responded with a 35-8 run that stretched into the second quarter on the way to building as much as a 22-point lead. The Warriors outscored the Celtics 27-17 for the period and carried a 54-39 lead into the second half as some Celtics fans booed the home team as they left the court.

Boston fought back in the third, but the Warriors found their range from beyond the arc, connecting on six 3s in the quarter.

___

More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


              Golden State Warriors fans cheer on the team against the Boston Celtics during a watch party Thursday, June 16, 2022, in San Francisco for Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
            
              Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka reacts during the fourth quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts during the second quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right and Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson celebrate after defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors fans cheer on their team against the Boston Celtics during a watch party Thursday, June 16, 2022, in San Francisco for Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry celebrates with the Bill Russell Trophy for most valuable player after the Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) congratulates Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Andrew Wiggins (22) after the Warriors defeated the Celtics in Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right, forward Draymond Green, left, and Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson celebrate after defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals championship, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, center, celebrates with teammates as he holds the Larry O'Brien Trophy after the Warriors beat the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, center, celebrates with teammates as he holds the Bill Russell Trophy for Most Valuable Player after the Warriors beat the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors fans cheer on the team against the Boston Celtics during a watch party Thursday, June 16, 2022, in San Francisco for Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
            
              Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka reacts during the fourth quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts during the second quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right and Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson celebrate after defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors fans cheer on their team against the Boston Celtics during a watch party Thursday, June 16, 2022, in San Francisco for Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry celebrates with the Bill Russell Trophy for most valuable player after the Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) congratulates Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Andrew Wiggins (22) after the Warriors defeated the Celtics in Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right, forward Draymond Green, left, and Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson celebrate after defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals championship, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, center, celebrates with teammates as he holds the Larry O'Brien Trophy after the Warriors beat the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, center, celebrates with teammates as he holds the Bill Russell Trophy for Most Valuable Player after the Warriors beat the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors fans cheer on the team against the Boston Celtics during a watch party Thursday, June 16, 2022, in San Francisco for Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
            
              Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka reacts during the fourth quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts during the second quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right and Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson celebrate after defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors fans cheer on their team against the Boston Celtics during a watch party Thursday, June 16, 2022, in San Francisco for Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry celebrates with the Bill Russell Trophy for most valuable player after the Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) congratulates Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Andrew Wiggins (22) after the Warriors defeated the Celtics in Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right, forward Draymond Green, left, and Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson celebrate after defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals championship, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, center, celebrates with teammates as he holds the Larry O'Brien Trophy after the Warriors beat the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, center, celebrates with teammates as he holds the Bill Russell Trophy for Most Valuable Player after the Warriors beat the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors fans cheer on the team against the Boston Celtics during a watch party Thursday, June 16, 2022, in San Francisco for Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
            
              Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka reacts during the fourth quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts during the second quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right and Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson celebrate after defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors fans cheer on their team against the Boston Celtics during a watch party Thursday, June 16, 2022, in San Francisco for Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry celebrates with the Bill Russell Trophy for most valuable player after the Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) congratulates Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Andrew Wiggins (22) after the Warriors defeated the Celtics in Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right, forward Draymond Green, left, and Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson celebrate after defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals championship, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, center, celebrates with teammates as he holds the Larry O'Brien Trophy after the Warriors beat the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, center, celebrates with teammates as he holds the Bill Russell Trophy for Most Valuable Player after the Warriors beat the Boston Celtics in Game 6 to win basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Players warm up before playing in Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
            
              Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) puts up a shot against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
            
              Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) splits the defense of Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and forward Otto Porter Jr. (32) during the first quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
            
              Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) puts up a shot against Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) during the first quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks to pass against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) drives against Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the first quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) goes up for a shot against Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and center Robert Williams III (44) during the first quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
            
              Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) ad nGolden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) battle for a rebound during the first quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and center Kevon Looney (5) during the first quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) scramble for a loose ball during the first quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) high fives Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) during the second quarter of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

AP

FILE - Gabby Petito's mother Nichole Schmidt, wipes a tear from her face during a news conference o...

Associated Press

Mother of man who killed Gabby Petito said in letter she would help son ‘dispose of a body’

The mother of the man who killed Gabby Petito told her son in an undated letter that she would “dispose of a body” if needed because she loved him so much, according to copies of the note shared publicly for the first time this week by attorneys for Petito's parents.

3 days ago

A member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, places flags in front of e...

Associated Press

5 things to know about Memorial Day including its controversies

Memorial Day is supposed to be about mourning the nation’s fallen service members, but it’s come to anchor the unofficial start of summer and a long weekend of discounts on anything from mattresses to lawn mowers.

3 days ago

FILE - This artist sketch depicts the trial of Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes, left, as he test...

Associated Press

Officers describe chaos, fear on Jan. 6 as judge weighs prison time for Oath Keepers’ Rhodes

Police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and public servants who fled the mob's attack told a judge on Wednesday that they are still haunted by what they endured, as the judge prepares to hand down sentences in a landmark Capitol riot case.

4 days ago

Pride month merchandise is displayed at the front of a Target store in Hackensack, N.J., Wednesday,...

Associated Press

Target on the defensive after removing LGBTQ+-themed products

Target once distinguished itself as being boldly supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.

5 days ago

(Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)...

Associated Press

Former Arizona television journalist announces bid for Schweikert’s US House seat

A former Phoenix television journalist announced her candidacy Wednesday for the congressional seat currently held by seven-term Republican Rep. David Schweikert.

5 days ago

Tortoise by Henry Davis earned an honorable mention in the "Adventures in Nature” student photo c...

Associated Press

When you adopt a desert tortoise, prepare for a surprisingly social and zippy pet

They’re not fluffy, they don’t play fetch and they certainly don’t roll over. But there is such a thing as a lap tortoise.

6 days ago

Sponsored Articles

(Photo: OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center)...

OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center

Here’s what you need to know about OCD and where to find help

It's fair to say that most people know what obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders generally are, but there's a lot more information than meets the eye about a mental health diagnosis that affects about one in every 100 adults in the United States.

(Photo by Michael Matthey/picture alliance via Getty Images)...

Cox Communications

Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices

KTAR’s Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.

Warriors beat Celtics 103-90 to win 4th NBA title in 8 years