Event of the Day: Boston Celtics versus Golden State Warriors
Our event of the day is the NBA fixture between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden in Boston. Both teams come into this game with substantial win streaks, Boston riding five wins and Golden State riding nine. Golden State is trying to keep hold of a slim lead at the top of the Western Conference while Boston fights for a high seeding in the East. Neither side will want to see their winning streak end tonight so expect a game to remember. The Celtics are hot right now. They ride a five game win streak as they try to compete in a highly-competitive Eastern Conference. They snapped a three game losing streak with an upset win over the Toronto Raptors. That was followed by wins over the Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers. Kyrie Irving, recently named as a starter in the upcoming All-Star game, has led by example, dropping 123 points in four games before sitting out the game against the Cavaliers due to flu-like symptoms. He has been supported by Jayson Tatum, Boston’s new star. The 20-year-old has put up 71 points and pulled down 29 rebounds during Boston’s win streak. Veteran Al Horford is also in fine form. The five time All-Star has put up 71 points and 21 rebounds across four of Boston’s wins. The Celtics are undeniably a good team but the question remains as to whether they will be able to compete come the playoffs. However their opponents tonight make the Celtics look cold by comparison.
The Warriors travel to Boston on a nine game win streak. They have reclaimed their throne atop the Western Conference and wiped away any doubts that may have circled earlier in the season. Steph Curry, announced as a Western Conference All-Star starter yesterday, has put up 281 points during the nine game win streak. The beauty of the Warriors is that when Curry under-performs, his teammates step up. When he only managed 14 points against the Knicks, Klay Thompson dropped 43. When Curry could only manage 11 points against the Lakers, Thompson once again led the team to victory with a 44-point night. This is the first meeting between the two teams this season, they will also meet again in the third to last match of the season. The two sides met twice last season, with each team taking a win on their home court. One team’s winning ways are going to come to an end tonight so be sure you don’t miss this game.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Women’s Big Bash League, where the Sydney Sixers face the Brisbane Heat in the Final at the Drummoyne Oval. The Sixers will look to win their third straight title behind the bat of captain Ellyse Perry. Perry has scored 744 runs in 15 innings, including two centuries and six half-centuries. The Heat play in their first final, looking to upset the firm favourites in the Sixers. They will rely on the opener for the Australian T20 squad, Beth Mooney, to help them defy the odds. This is going to be a final to remember, so be sure you don’t miss it. Elsewhere in cricket, the first Test between the West Indies and England continues at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. England find themselves in a tough spot in the second inning, having ended the first inning with just 77 runs. They are chasing an improbable 628 to win and currently sit on 56 with 10 wickets remaining, or have 2 days to survive for the unlikely draw. In the FA Cup, Manchester City host Burnley at the Etihad Stadium. The Omega Dubai Desert Classic continues on the Majlis course at the Emirates Golf Course. Harlequins host Saracens at the Twickenham Stoop in the Premiership Rugby Cup. Naomi Osaka plays Petra Kvitová in the women’s final of the Australian Open.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by Golden State Warriors; Boston Celtics