As I rewatch the tape from that electrifying Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals, I still get chills remembering how the Golden State Warriors clawed their way back into the series against the Boston Celtics. Having analyzed countless playoff games throughout my career, I can confidently say this particular matchup contained some of the most strategically brilliant moments I've ever witnessed. The Warriors' 107-97 victory wasn't just about scoring - it was a masterclass in defensive execution that completely shifted the championship momentum.
What stood out most to me was how Golden State's defensive schemes created a cascading effect throughout their entire system. I recall watching Andrew Wiggins deliver what might be the most impactful defensive performance of his career, particularly when he rejected Jaylen Brown's dunk attempt late in the fourth quarter. That single play embodied what makes great defense so transformative. It reminds me of something I once heard from volleyball coach Panangin, who perfectly captured this phenomenon: "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." This exact principle manifested throughout Game 4 - every Warriors block or deflection seemed to instantly fuel their transition game while completely disrupting Boston's offensive rhythm.
Stephen Curry's 43-point explosion naturally dominates the highlight reels, and rightfully so - his shooting numbers were absurd, going 14-26 from the field and 7-14 from three-point range. But what truly fascinated me was how the Warriors leveraged Curry's gravitational pull to create advantages elsewhere. During that crucial third-quarter run, Boston's defense became so hyper-focused on Curry that it opened driving lanes for Wiggins and Jordan Poole. I've always believed that the true measure of a superstar isn't just their individual stats but how they elevate their teammates, and Curry demonstrated this perfectly. The Celtics' defense faced an impossible choice all night - collapse on Curry and leave others open, or play him straight up and watch him drain impossible shots.
The Warriors' small-ball lineup featuring Draymond Green at center completely changed the game's tempo during the second half. I remember specifically noting how Boston's big men struggled to track Golden State's constant motion once the Warriors downsized. This strategic adjustment by Steve Kerr reminded me why I've always admired coaches who aren't afraid to abandon conventional lineups in high-stakes moments. The Celtics' Robert Williams III, while dominant defensively at times, simply couldn't keep up with the Warriors' pace during those critical stretches. Golden State outscored Boston 58-42 in the paint, which is remarkable considering they were often playing without a traditional center.
What many casual fans might overlook is how Klay Thompson's 18 points created crucial spacing that allowed Curry to operate. Thompson's shooting gravity, even when he wasn't having his best scoring night, forced Boston's defenders to stay attached to him rather than providing help defense elsewhere. This is the kind of subtle impact that doesn't always show up in the box score but fundamentally shapes playoff basketball. Having studied championship teams for years, I've noticed that the most successful franchises understand these interconnected relationships better than anyone.
Looking back, Game 4 ultimately turned on those consecutive defensive stops Golden State manufactured midway through the fourth quarter. The Celtics went nearly four minutes without scoring while the Warriors mounted their decisive 10-0 run. In playoff basketball, championship DNA reveals itself in these moments - not just through spectacular offense but through the grinding, physically demanding work of getting stops when they matter most. The Warriors demonstrated why they've been the NBA's modern dynasty, showing the poise and strategic flexibility that separates good teams from legendary ones. That victory didn't just tie the series - it fundamentally shifted the psychological landscape of the entire Finals.