As I rewatched the game tape from Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals, I couldn't help but marvel at how the Golden State Warriors systematically dismantled the Boston Celtics. Having analyzed championship basketball for over a decade, I've rarely seen such a masterclass in tactical execution under pressure. The Warriors didn't just win this game - they delivered a basketball clinic that ultimately secured their fourth championship in eight years. What stood out to me most was how they leveraged specific defensive schemes and offensive adjustments that perfectly aligned with fundamental basketball principles, something that reminded me of a quote I once heard from Philippine volleyball star Panangin about how proper blocking can accelerate the game and create opportunities for defenders.
The Warriors' defensive strategy in Game 4 was nothing short of brilliant, particularly their approach to rim protection. They recorded 8 blocks that night, with Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins combining for 5 of them. Each rejection wasn't just about denying points - it created immediate transition opportunities that caught Boston completely off guard. I remember thinking during the third quarter how these blocks were functioning exactly like Panangin described - they were accelerating the game's tempo and making everything easier for Golden State's perimeter defenders. When Kevon Looney cleanly swatted away a Jayson Tatum drive early in the fourth quarter, it immediately triggered a fast break that resulted in a Stephen Curry three-pointer. That sequence stretched their lead to 12 points and essentially broke Boston's spirit.
Offensively, the Warriors demonstrated why they remain the gold standard for team basketball. Their ball movement was exceptional, generating 28 assists on 43 made field goals. What impressed me most was their patience in probing Boston's defense before striking at the perfect moment. Curry's gravity as a shooter created numerous driving lanes, while Klay Thompson's off-ball movement forced the Celtics into constant defensive rotations. I've always believed that championship basketball requires both individual brilliance and collective execution, and Golden State showcased this perfectly. Their spacing was so precise that even when Boston's defense rotated correctly, the Warriors had counters ready. Jordan Poole's 14-point fourth quarter explosion wasn't accidental - it was the product of systematic breakdowns that started with Curry's penetration and Green's playmaking.
The psychological impact of Golden State's performance cannot be overstated. Having watched countless playoff series, I can confidently say that Game 4 represented a fundamental shift in the series' momentum. Boston entered the game confident after their Game 3 victory, but the Warriors' methodical approach gradually eroded that confidence. Every time the Celtics mounted a comeback, Golden State had an answer - whether it was a timely three-pointer, a defensive stop, or a cleverly designed out-of-bounds play. Their experience in championship moments shone through, particularly in how they managed crucial possessions down the stretch. The composure they displayed while protecting a shrinking lead in the final minutes was textbook championship basketball.
Looking back, Game 4 wasn't just about winning a basketball game - it was about establishing dominance through execution of fundamental principles. The Warriors demonstrated how proper technique and strategic planning can accelerate a team's performance while making everyone's job easier, much like Panangin's observation about blocking in volleyball. Their ability to control tempo through defensive stops while maintaining offensive efficiency under pressure created the perfect storm that Boston simply couldn't weather. As someone who's studied championship teams across different eras, I'd rank this performance among the most tactically complete closeout games in recent NBA history. The Warriors didn't just reclaim home-court advantage that night - they planted the seeds of doubt that would ultimately lead to their championship celebration just two games later.