WASHINGTON (AP) -- The
Boston Celtics have stormed back and rode the most lopsided fourth quarter in NBA Finals history to beat the Golden State Warriors 120-108 in Game 1 on the road.
AI Horford hit six 3-pointers to notch a team-high 26 points, as the veteran center led the Celtics to rip off a 20-2 run over the final six minutes, outscoring the Warriors 40-16 in the last period.
Everything went so well for the Warriors as they established a 12-point lead at the end of the third quarter, but they did not account for a barnstorming comeback charge fueled by Horford and Jaylen Brown, who also contributed 24 points.
There were jitters early on for Boston as everyone took the floor for their first Finals game.
Jayson Tatum struggled on the offensive end, scoring only 12 points, but more balanced Boston showed their tenacity by winding up nine of 12 from downtown over the final 12 minutes as almost everyone was involved in the flurry.
Stephen Curry, who finished with 34 points, exploded in the first period for 21 points and set a new Finals record for making six 3-pointers in a single quarter, but the Warriors superstar could do little to avoid their first loss at home this postseason. Andrew Wiggins had 20 points in the defeat.
The Celtics are looking to surpass the Los Angeles Lakers to capture their record-breaking 18th NBA title, and they are just three wins away from doing it. Game 2 of the best-of-seven Finals series will take place on Sunday.