The Golden State Warriors looked in full control of Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, and then the fourth quarter happened.
The Celtics entered the fourth quarter trailing 92-80, and then they went on to outscore the Warriors 40-16 to close out a 120-118 road victory on Thursday night at Chase Center.
The incredible fourth quarter featured a 17-0 run, which began when the Celtics were trailing 103-100.
Al Horford nailed a three to give Boston a 106-103 lead with just over five minutes remaining (and drained another three on the ensuing possession).
Horford, 36, hit big shot after big shot down the stretch. He finished with a team-high 26 points, while doing so very efficiently, and with a career-high in three-pointers: 9-of-12 from the field, 6-of-8 on threes.
The Celtics also got 24 points from Jaylen Brown, 21 points from Derrick White, and 18 points from Marcus Smart.
It’s the Warriors’ first home loss of the postseason, and it’s a huge opportunity blown. Game 2 should be viewed as a must-win for Steph Curry (who had 34 points) and company; trailing 2-0 in the series with three games (if necessary) still to come in Boston would look very unfavorable for the Warriors on the surface.
Game 2 of the NBA Finals will be Sunday evening in San Francisco.
Here’s a look at how the basketball world is reacting to the Celtics’ remarkable fourth quarter to win Game 1: