NBA Finals Game 5 Highlights and Key Takeaways You Can't Miss

2025-11-17 09:00

As I sat down to analyze Game 5 of the NBA Finals, I couldn't help but draw parallels to that fascinating NLEX vs Meralco matchup from the Philippine Basketball Association that's been living rent-free in my basketball-obsessed mind. You see, what we witnessed in last night's championship clash reminded me so much of that fundamental truth about playoff basketball - it's not always about the flashy dunks or deep threes, but often about who controls the boards. When NLEX got limited to just 34 rebounds against Meralco, their lowest of the conference, it told a story we've seen repeated throughout basketball history. They only managed two second-chance points that game, another conference-low that essentially sealed their fate.

Watching the Warriors and Celtics battle it out last night, I kept thinking about how rebounding tells the real story beneath the surface. The Warriors finished with 48 rebounds to Boston's 42, but what stood out to me was their 15 offensive boards compared to Boston's 9. Those extra possessions became absolutely crucial in a game that came down to the final minutes. I've always believed that championship teams find ways to create extra opportunities, and those offensive rebounds directly translated to 18 second-chance points for Golden State. Meanwhile, Boston only managed 8 points off second chances, and that 10-point differential essentially became the margin in this tightly contested game.

What struck me as particularly impressive was how the Warriors approached rebounding as a collective effort rather than relying on any single player. Draymond Green grabbed 11 boards, but what impressed me more was seeing Stephen Curry pull down 8 rebounds despite being the smallest guy on the court most of the time. That's championship heart right there. It reminds me of that Phoenix performance against Rain or Shine where they grabbed 50 rebounds and scored 17 second-chance points even in a losing effort. Sometimes the numbers tell you one story while the outcome tells another, but last night, Golden State made sure both narratives aligned perfectly.

The Celtics actually shot better from the field - 47% compared to Golden State's 44% - but here's where the rebounding advantage really manifested. Boston's 12 turnovers didn't help their cause either, but I'd argue that their inability to secure defensive rebounds at critical moments hurt them more. There were three consecutive possessions in the fourth quarter where the Warriors got offensive rebounds and eventually scored, and that stretch felt like the true turning point. Having watched countless playoff games over the years, I can tell you that sequences like those are absolute backbreakers for the opposing team.

Speaking of backbreakers, let's talk about those second-chance points. The Warriors converted their offensive rebounds into quality looks, shooting 52% on those second opportunities. Boston, meanwhile, seemed rushed and unsettled when they got extra possessions, often settling for contested shots. This is where experience really shows - Golden State has been here before, they understand that in playoff basketball, every possession matters doubly, and they played with that awareness throughout the game.

What I found particularly fascinating was how both teams approached the glass differently. The Warriors seemed to send three players to the boards on every shot, while Boston often had only two crashing. That strategic difference might seem small, but over 48 minutes, those extra efforts add up. It's the same lesson we saw with Phoenix's 50-rebound performance - sometimes you need to commit extra bodies to control the glass, even if it means sacrificing something in transition defense.

The individual matchups told their own stories too. Robert Williams III finished with 10 rebounds for Boston, but I felt he could have been more dominant given his physical tools. Meanwhile, Kevon Looney's 12 rebounds off the bench provided exactly the kind of energy boost that championship teams need from their role players. Having covered the NBA for over a decade, I've come to appreciate how championship teams always get unexpected contributions from their bench, and Looney's performance last night was a perfect example of that.

As the game entered its final minutes, you could see the cumulative effect of all those extra possessions wearing on Boston. They started rushing shots, perhaps feeling the pressure of knowing that every miss could lead to another extended Warriors possession. That psychological aspect of rebounding dominance is something that doesn't show up in the stat sheet but absolutely influences how the game unfolds. Golden State's 32-28 advantage in points in the paint also stemmed from those extra opportunities created by offensive rebounds.

Looking back at the entire game, what stands out to me is how Golden State won the "hustle stats" across the board. Beyond rebounds, they had more steals (8-5), more blocks (6-4), and generally seemed to want it more. That's the mark of a veteran team that understands what it takes to close out a championship series. The Celtics are talented, no doubt, but last night showed that in the NBA Finals, experience and determination often trump raw talent.

The final score of 104-94 doesn't fully capture how the rebounding advantage shaped this game. Those extra possessions allowed Golden State to attempt 12 more field goals than Boston, and in a low-scoring defensive battle, that margin becomes enormous. It's the same principle we saw with NLEX's struggles - when you get dominated on the glass, you're essentially giving your opponent extra opportunities to score while limiting your own. Basketball can be complicated, but sometimes it really does come down to these fundamental truths.

As we look ahead to Game 6, the rebounding battle will once again be crucial. Boston needs to find answers on the glass, particularly in limiting Golden State's second chances. They have the personnel to compete - Horford and Williams are more than capable - but they need the collective commitment we saw from Phoenix in that 50-rebound performance. For Golden State, maintaining this level of intensity on the boards could be what delivers them another championship. Having watched this core win multiple titles, I can tell you they understand better than anyone how championships are often won through these gritty, unglamorous aspects of the game.

What we witnessed last night was a masterclass in winning the possession game through relentless effort on the glass. The numbers tell part of the story - 48 total rebounds, 15 offensive boards, 18 second-chance points - but what resonated with me was the consistent effort across all four quarters. In my years covering the NBA, I've learned that championship teams find different ways to win different games, but controlling the boards is almost always part of the formula. Last night's performance demonstrated why the Warriors are one win away from another title, and why rebounding remains one of the most reliable predictors of playoff success.