I still remember watching Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals with that familiar tension in my shoulders - the kind that only comes when you know you're witnessing championship history unfold. Having analyzed basketball strategy for over a decade, I've learned that championship games rarely turn on dramatic buzzer-beaters, but rather on sequences of key plays that shift momentum in subtle yet decisive ways. This game perfectly illustrated that principle, with several pivotal moments that ultimately decided the championship outcome.
What fascinates me about championship basketball is how seemingly minor defensive adjustments can create cascading effects throughout a game. I'm reminded of a concept that Philippine volleyball star Panangin once articulated about blocking: "Mas mapapabilis po kasi yung game kapag may block po and mas mapapadali para sa mga nagdi-dig or nagre-receive sa likod 'pag nata-touch namin nang maayos yung block." This translates beautifully to basketball - proper defensive touches and blocks don't just stop scoring attempts; they accelerate the game in your favor and make everything easier for your teammates. We saw this dynamic play out spectacularly in the third quarter when the Warriors' defensive adjustments completely changed the game's rhythm. The Celtics had been controlling the tempo through the first half, but Golden State's ability to get clean touches on defense created transition opportunities that Boston simply couldn't counter.
The numbers tell part of the story - the Warriors outscored the Celtics 37-22 in that decisive third quarter - but what the stats can't capture is the psychological impact of those defensive sequences. When Draymond Green altered three consecutive shots at the rim around the 8-minute mark, it wasn't just about preventing 6 potential points. It created a ripple effect that made Celtics drivers hesitant on subsequent possessions. I've always believed that championship basketball lives in these marginal gains - the extra defensive touch that leads to a fast break, the properly set screen that creates an open three, the box-out that secures a crucial offensive rebound. The Warriors mastered these nuances throughout the fourth game, particularly during that game-changing third quarter where they shot 63% from the field while holding Boston to just 34% shooting.
What many casual viewers miss is how championship-level teams use these momentum shifts to impose their will strategically. The Warriors didn't just capitalize on transition opportunities; they methodically attacked mismatches in the half-court, with Curry repeatedly targeting slower defenders in isolation. His 43-point performance wasn't just spectacular shooting - it was a masterclass in strategic targeting. The Celtics, who had been so disciplined defensively throughout the playoffs, suddenly looked a step slow in their rotations, particularly after those deflating defensive sequences where they got good looks but couldn't convert due to Golden State's defensive pressure.
Having studied championship games across multiple eras, I've noticed that the truly great teams find ways to win through complementary basketball. The Warriors' offense rightly gets the headlines, but their championship DNA has always been rooted in defensive connectivity. Those proper touches and blocks that Panangin described - the kind that make the game easier for everyone - became the foundation for Golden State's championship-clinching victory. When I rewatch that fourth game, what stands out isn't just the spectacular shooting but the defensive discipline that created those opportunities. The Warriors understood something fundamental about championship basketball: sometimes the most offensive plays begin with defensive touches that barely register on the stat sheet but change everything about how the game flows. That understanding, more than any single shot or highlight, is what secured their fourth championship in eight years and cemented their place among basketball's greatest dynasties.