'Our Confidence Is Not Hit,' Says Warriors Star Of Shocking Game 1 Loss

KEY POINTS

The Warriors were surprised by the Boston Celtics in the opening game of the NBA Finals
Draymond Green mentioned that the loss is nothing but a challenge to them
Steve Kerr also lamented the Warriors' defensive miscues that led to them losing Game 1

San Francisco -- The Golden State Warriors and their fans were taken by surprise after the Boston Celtics stormed back late in Game 1 to take the 1-0 series lead in the NBA Finals, but Draymond Green is not about to let it get into their heads.

The four-time All-Star said as much during the postgame press conference.

“We’ve always embraced challenges. This is no different, we’ll embrace this one. So, no, it’s not a hit to the confidence at all,” he said.

Green was also quick to note that despite dropping Game 1, the Warriors have always been capable of winning a game or two on the road which is exactly what they need to do as he looks ahead to the rest of the series.

“Whether you win every game at home, you still want to win one on the road. In our history, we’ve always won one on the road, so it’s just nothing to panic about,” he stated.

Containing Celtics star Jayson Tatum from having a massive game seemed to be the Warriors’ point of emphasis in Game 1 as they were able to keep him to just 12 points on 3-of-17 shooting from the field.

However, the rest of the Celtics came alive to keep them within striking range just before the eventful fourth quarter thanks to the major contributions of Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Derrick White.

White, in particular, made two crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter to get some separation from the Warriors as they won the game, 120-108, on the Warriors’ home floor.

Looking ahead to Game 2, Golden State cannot afford to have another collapse late in the game if they want to get right back into this Finals series with a young and hungry Celtics squad.

“It was mainly the fourth quarter that got us. We feel confident with our ability to score against them, but like I said, [if] we give up 40 points in the fourth and the other team makes 21 threes, it’s going to be tough to win,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr told the media during his time at the podium.

Game 2 is going to be crucial for the Warriors as they look to even the series on Sunday, June 5 at 8:00 PM ET.