As I rewatched the tape from Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals, one particular sequence around the seven-minute mark in the third quarter kept drawing my attention. The Warriors were trailing by four when Draymond Green switched onto Jayson Tatum near the perimeter. What happened next perfectly illustrates why blocking technique matters so much in high-stakes basketball - something that resonates strongly with that insightful quote from Panangin about how proper block touches can accelerate the game. When Green cleanly deflected Tatum's driving attempt without fouling, the Warriors immediately transitioned into their signature quick offense, resulting in a Curry three-pointer that completely shifted the game's momentum.
I've always believed that what separates championship teams from merely good ones often comes down to these subtle defensive nuances. The Celtics actually outscored Golden State in the paint that night 42-38 and recorded more total rebounds at 51-46, yet lost because they couldn't control the game's tempo during critical stretches. Watching Andrew Wiggins' spectacular block on Derrick White with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter reminded me exactly of Panangin's point - that well-executed blocks don't just stop scoring opportunities, they create immediate transition chances. Wiggins didn't just swat the ball into the stands; he directed it perfectly to Gary Payton II, who initiated the fast break that essentially sealed the game. These are the moments that analytics sometimes miss but coaches absolutely treasure.
What fascinated me most about that game was how the Warriors turned what appeared to be a defensive adjustment into their primary offensive weapon. They recorded 8 blocks that night compared to Boston's 4, and I tracked at least 12 points directly generated from those blocked shots leading to transition opportunities. The timing was impeccable - every block seemed to come just as Boston was building momentum. When Kevon Looney stuffed Al Horford's post attempt late in the third quarter, it wasn't just a defensive stop; it was the catalyst for a 9-2 run that gave Golden State a lead they'd never relinquish. From my perspective, this strategic emphasis on quality block attempts rather than just quantity represents Steve Kerr's coaching genius.
The final numbers showed Golden State winning 107-97, but the story was in how they managed the game's rhythm through these defensive highlights. Jordan Poole's controversial block on Marcus Smart with 1:48 remaining might have drawn the headlines, but it was the accumulation of these well-executed defensive plays throughout the game that truly made the difference. Having studied countless Finals games, I can confidently say this was a masterclass in using defense to fuel offense. The Warriors understood that in modern basketball, a clean block isn't just prevention - it's the first pass of your fast break. This approach ultimately gave them the 3-1 series lead that would lead to their championship, proving once again that championship basketball isn't just about scoring; it's about controlling the game's heartbeat through moments of defensive excellence.