NBA Finals 2022: Draymond Green's mom suggests a clone is replacing him and more scenes from Game 4
After Game 4 at the TD Garden, the 2022 NBA Finals series between theBoston CelticsandGolden State Warriorsis tied, 2-2.
Game 4s have been home to legendary performances throughout the history of the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan scored 55 points in the 1993 Finals against the Phoenix Suns while dueling against Charles Barkley who had 32 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the same game. In the 2019 Finals between the Warriors and Toronto Raptors, Kawhi Leonard had a 17-point third quarter on the way to 36 points, 12 boards and 4 steals.
Recency bias is admittedly in his favor, butStephen Curry's 43-point, 10-rebound affair in Boston can probably be added to that list.
Friday night's matchup was a pivotal contest -- particularly for Golden State.Teams that trail 3-1 in the Finals have an all-time series record of 1-35, per ESPN Stats & Information. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shook up the starting lineup by replacing Kevon Looney with Otto Porter Jr, but the change did not translate into an immediate offensive boost as Golden State trailed, 54-49, at halftime.
However, the tide turned in favor of the visiting team late in the second half as Kerr made another lineup adjustment by sittingDraymond Greenfor most of the game's final period.The Warriors outscored the Celtics 15-0 in clutch time, en route to a 107-97 comeback victory.
Here are some of the best sights and sounds from a memorable Game 4.
Clone Draymond?
Green has struggled during the Finals, and he rode the bench for the majority of the fourth quarter. To put his shortcomings in perspective, he has more fouls (18) than points (17) this series. His mother, Mary Babers-Green, has heard the chatter around her son's play. She took to Twitter to offer an explanation, even suggesting a clone took Green's place.
Chef Curry cooked
It was the Steph Curry show Friday night against the Celtics. He became the second-oldest player to finish with a 43-point, 10-rebound stat line in the Finals (34 years and 88 days). He trails LeBron James, who was 35 years and 284 days old when he accomplished the mark in the 2020 Finals, according to ESPN Stats and Information. Curry is also the second player in Finals history to score 40 points along with seven 3-pointers in a game, joining Kyrie Irving who did it in 2017. Stars like James and Joel Embiid took notice of Curry's sensational outing.
One for the books
Amid an uncharacteristic stretch of Finals performances, Draymond Green still added to his playoff resume.
Festive food
Boston's TD Garden put a fun spin on the phrase "eat your greens" with a championship chicken sandwich that featured a Celtics green bun.
Celebrity sightings
Houston Rockets point guard John Wallwas in the stands to watch the Celtics-Warriors matchup.
Deuce, the son of Jayson Tatum, has become a star this postseason. He's been a fixture on the sidelines watching his dad play against the NBA's best.
Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal sat courtside to take in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
Olympic gold medalist and Massachusetts native Aly Raismanwatched the Celtics take on the Warriors at the TD Garden.
Klay's embracing the haters
The crowd at the TD Garden can be hard on opponents, but Klay Thompsondidn't let them get to him.
Quite the warm-up routine
Stephen Curry is known for his unique pregame buckets, and he showed off his volleyball skills for his trick shot ahead of Game 4.
Arrived in style
Players from the Celtics and Warriors arrived at TD Garden for Game 4 wearing exceptional outfits.
There's no place like home
The Celtics presented a meal that embodied New England, and even had the fisherman to match. Those in the media room enjoyed fresh lobster, stuffed clams and crab cakes.
Game-time threads
For Friday's matchup, the Warriors donned their Nike City Edition uniforms that featured some of the team logos from past and present.
