Steph Curry leads Warriors to emphatic 107-88 Game 2 victory over Celtics in NBA Finals

By Ben Morse, CNN

Updated 0938 GMT (1738 HKT) June 6, 2022

Steph Curry shoots against the Boston Celtics during a red-hot third quarter for the Warriors in Game 2.

(CNN)The Golden State Warriors needed a big bounce-back performance on Sunday night. And they sure got it.

After a disappointing end to Game 1 of the NBA Finals in which the Boston Celtics came back late to win, the Warriors ran away themselves in the second half of Game 2 to win 107-88. Steph Curry led with way with 29 points, including 5-of-12 shooting from three-point range, with Jayson Tatum leading the Celtics with 28 points and six rebounds. Afterwards, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr praised Curry and the impact he had in the third quarter particularly, in which Golden State outscored Boston 35-14. «Steph was breathtaking in that third quarter,» Kerr told the media post-game. «Not just the shot making but the defensive effort. He just doesn't get enough credit for his level of conditioning, physicality and defense.Read More»People go at him to try to wear him down because they know how important he is to us offensively. And it is pretty dramatic, the difference in Steph's strength and physicality between now and when I first got here eight years ago.«The guy is amazing; he just keeps working.»Curry shoots during the first half against the Celtics.Second half burstWith a baying Chase Center wanting a strong showing in response to a difficult end to Game 1, the first half was a nail-biter. The Warriors lead the Celtics 52-50 at halftime, with both teams' stifling defenses proving resolute and keeping each other in check. But as has become customary for Golden State this season, an explosive third quarter was the catalyst they needed. The home team blew up