The NBA finals are on a knife-edge after four games of rip-roaring, often ill-tempered action. Tied 2-2 and level on almost all metrics, Boston Celtics travel to Golden State Warriors Chase Centre home in Game 5 of this absorbing series. If the Celtics’ defence has been rock-solid, the Dubs’ point-guard and bonafide legend Stephen Curry has kept the pre-final favourites in the hunt in his inimitable style. While loaded with big guns and an offensive game rarely matched, the Warriors have often struggled to cope with their opponents’ physical style. Draymond Green has had a stinker so far, while Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole have blown hot and cold. 

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With anticipation building around Game 5, we look to two potential factors that might decide the tie:  

1. Will Boston Celtics’ offence fire 

It’s all well and good to have a mean defence, but with a misfiring offensive game, the Celtics have neutralized their hard-earned gains. Exemplified by small forward Jayson Tatum’s erratic shooting, the 17-time champions need their offensive players to fire to complement their hard-to-breach defence. In the spirit of The Departed’s Jack Costello, it’s time for the Celtics to take it instead of hoping to be handed victory. Non-serviam. 

Also Read: With NBA Finals tied at 2-2, Celtics try to stop Warriors’ Stephen Curry

2. The Warriors need to spread the load

While Steph Curry has been in freakish fine form throughout the Finals, notching up points with the ease of a high-grade sniper, his teammates haven’t quite sprinkled the court with their best basketball. In Marcus Smart, the Celts have the best defensive player in the league but to Curry, it matters little. While the 6 feet 2-inch guard has been untouchable throughout, a little support from either Poole or Thompson (preferably both) would perhaps win the Warriors any game of basketball, including against the Celtics.