SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors weren’t just in need of a win to tie up the NBA Finals, but in desperate need of something resounding to send a message to the “we don’t care, we keep coming” Boston Celtics.
They needed to show they could penetrate the Celtics’ psyche on the floor and off it, that pressure could be applied and maintained for extended stretches until the Celtics cracked.
Be it emotionally, physically or practically — because if they didn’t, they would face the prospect of falling down 3-1 before seeing home turf again.
Message sent.