I still get chills thinking about Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals. As someone who's analyzed basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say that particular game contained some of the most strategically brilliant moments I've ever witnessed. The Warriors' 107-97 victory over the Celtics wasn't just about scoring—it was about defensive mastery that completely shifted the series momentum. What many casual viewers miss is how defensive blocks create offensive opportunities, something that reminds me of volleyball star Panangin's brilliant observation: "The game becomes faster when there's a block, and it becomes easier for those digging or receiving in the back when we touch the block properly."
That exact principle unfolded dramatically during the third quarter when the Warriors trailed by five points. Andrew Wiggins' spectacular block against Jayson Tatum wasn't just a defensive stop—it was the catalyst that ignited Golden State's game-changing 18-0 run. I've watched that sequence at least twenty times, and what strikes me every time is how cleanly Wiggins touched that ball. Just like in volleyball, that proper block touch immediately transitioned into offensive fluidity. Within seconds, Jordan Poole was sinking a 28-foot three-pointer that sent shockwaves through Boston's defense. The Celtics' offensive rhythm completely shattered after that block—their shooting percentage dropped from 48% in the first half to just 36% in the second.
Steph Curry's performance that night was nothing short of legendary, finishing with 43 points and 10 rebounds. But what truly impressed me was his defensive contribution—4 steals that directly resulted in 11 transition points. People often underestimate how defense fuels offense in championship basketball. When Curry stripped the ball from Jaylen Brown late in the fourth quarter, it wasn't just a turnover—it was psychological warfare. You could see the Celtics' confidence crumbling as Curry immediately converted that steal into a three-pointer that put Golden State up by 12 with just over three minutes remaining.
Draymond Green's impact, while less flashy, was equally crucial. His 9 rebounds and 8 assists don't fully capture how he controlled the game's tempo. I've always believed Green understands the "block to transition" concept better than anyone in the league. His defensive positioning forced Boston into 18 turnovers, which the Warriors converted into 27 points. That's nearly 30% of their total score coming directly from defensive stops! The statistical correlation between their blocks/steals and subsequent scoring runs was almost perfect—every defensive stop generated an average of 1.8 points within the next 15 seconds of possession.
Looking back, that game demonstrated why modern basketball has evolved beyond pure shooting. The Warriors understood something fundamental that night—that championship basketball is about controlling momentum through defensive precision. Their 7 blocks and 11 steals created the transitional opportunities that ultimately decided the championship. Even now, watching the highlights gives me goosebumps—that game wasn't just won through talent, but through understanding the beautiful relationship between defense and offense. The 2022 Warriors proved that touching the block properly, whether in volleyball or basketball, creates the rhythm that championships are made of.