The 2022 NBA Finals are rapidly approaching and there are tons of talent that will be shown throughout the series. The Boston Celtics will face the Golden State Warriors in the upcoming NBA Finals, as reported by ESPN. While everyone understands the stars of each team will be spectacular, usually, the determining factors come from places teams wouldn’t expect much. For example, if Celtics SF Jayson Tatum goes out and gets 25 points, eight rebounds, and six assists nobody would bat an eye. However, if Warriors SG Jordan Poole does this it will turn a lot more heads.
Here are the four players (no order) to watch in this year’s NBA Finals:
- Al Horford
- Marcus Smart
- Grant Williams
- Andrew Wiggins
Al Horford
Boston Celtics veteran center Al Horford has been a staple for the Celtics throughout the season. However, his veteran prowess can help lead this fairly young team to the promised land. Horford’s ability to score at will and his consistency can determine the factors of games. Not to mention, he can give matchup issues for the Warriors as they lack size in the NBA Finals.
Marcus Smart
Celtics PG and DPOY Marcus Smart will play a huge factor in this series. Smart will have to limit star PG Stephen Curry on top of contributing 10-15 points per game. Smart has been versatile for the Celtics and it has helped take the pressure off star SF Jayson Tatum offensively. While Smart is in the game Tatum doesn’t have to exert unnecessary energy which allows him to be more effective offensively, as well as, defensively.
Grant Williams
Celtics SF Grant Williams has been a vital chess piece for the Celtics. His sole purpose has been to come in help out defensively and occasionally contribute with corner threes. Naturally, his wide frame allows him to guard effectively amongst bigger opposing players. Many people have a hard time moving him or manipulating him because of his basketball IQ and just build. Williams’s shooting will be vital against the Warriors because they may not get many open looks. However, he may have opportunities to knock down big shots with the majority of the Warriors’ attention towards Tatum and SG Jaylen Brown.
Andrew Wiggins
Warriors SF Andrew Wiggins will be essential to the Warriors’ success in this series. His responsibility will come from attempting to limit Tatum while still managing to maintain his averages throughout the season. He will have his work cut out for him this series, however, he’s proven to be a legitimate two-way player and key contributor.
