I still remember watching Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals with that familiar mix of excitement and dread that only championship basketball can produce. Having analyzed countless games throughout my career, I could sense we were witnessing something special unfolding at TD Garden that night. The Warriors were down 2-1 in the series, and another loss would have essentially handed the Celtics the championship with the way they'd been playing. What struck me most wasn't just the final score of 107-97, but how specific defensive sequences completely shifted the game's momentum in Golden State's favor.
When I rewatch that game, one particular defensive adjustment stands out - the Warriors' improved block positioning that reminded me of what volleyball players often discuss about proper blocking technique. There's a fascinating parallel between how elite defenders in both sports approach their craft. In the third quarter, with Boston leading 94-90 and threatening to pull away, Draymond Green made two consecutive defensive plays that changed everything. His perfectly timed block on Jaylen Brown's drive led directly to a Stephen Curry transition three-pointer that electrified the building. Then, just possessions later, his deflection of a Marcus Smart pass created another fast break opportunity. These weren't just random defensive efforts - they were calculated, technical masterpieces that disrupted Boston's offensive rhythm completely.
What many casual viewers might miss is how these defensive stops created offensive efficiency. When Curry hit that three-pointer off Green's block, the Warriors' offensive possession lasted just 4.2 seconds. Compare that to their average half-court possession time of 14.7 seconds throughout the playoffs, and you understand why these transition opportunities were so valuable. The Celtics, who had been shooting 47% from the field through the first three quarters, saw that number plummet to 34% in the final period as Golden State's defensive pressure intensified. I've always believed that championship teams win with defense, and this game proved it yet again.
The fourth quarter defensive performance by Golden State was nothing short of historic. They held Boston to just 11 points in the final 12 minutes - the lowest-scoring fourth quarter in NBA Finals history since the shot clock era began. Andrew Wiggins' defensive masterpiece against Jayson Tatum, limiting him to 2-9 shooting in the quarter while grabbing 3 crucial defensive rebounds, was arguably the most underrated aspect of their comeback. Personally, I think Wiggins doesn't get enough credit for his defensive versatility throughout that series - his ability to switch onto multiple positions while maintaining containment was textbook perfect.
Looking back, the turning point came with 5:18 remaining when Curry hit a contested three-pointer to put Golden State up 100-96. But what made that shot possible was Klay Thompson's deflection on the previous possession that forced a Celtics turnover. These chain reactions - defensive stops leading to transition opportunities - became Golden State's winning formula. The Warriors scored 19 points off turnovers in the second half alone, compared to Boston's 7. That 12-point differential essentially decided the game. In my analysis, this demonstrated Steve Kerr's superior coaching adjustment - he recognized that speeding up the game through defensive aggression would neutralize Boston's half-court advantages.
The legacy of Game 4 extends beyond just tying the series at 2-2. It established the defensive blueprint that Golden State would use to win the next two games and ultimately the championship. When I speak with younger coaches, I always point to this game as the perfect example of how championship-level defense creates championship-level offense. The Warriors didn't just outscore Boston - they out-defended them in ways that statistics can only partially capture. That's why, in my book, this ranks among the most strategically impressive Finals performances I've ever witnessed.