I still get chills thinking about that incredible Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals. What many predicted would be a straightforward Golden State victory turned into one of the most strategically fascinating basketball games I've witnessed in years. While everyone remembers Steph Curry's 43-point masterpiece, what truly captivated me was the underlying battle happening at the net - the blocks. It reminds me of a principle I once heard from a volleyball coach, Panangin, who said, "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 philosophy, though from a different sport, perfectly encapsulates what unfolded on that basketball court. A well-executed block doesn't just stop a score; it fundamentally changes the game's rhythm and creates opportunities for the entire team.
I remember watching Andrew Wiggins' monumental block on Jaylen Brown with about 5:12 left in the fourth quarter. Boston was mounting a comeback, cutting the lead to just 4 points, and the momentum felt like it was shifting. The Celtics were running a fast break, and Brown went up for what looked like an easy layup. Wiggins, seemingly coming out of nowhere, met him at the apex and cleanly swatted the ball away. That wasn't just 2 points saved; it was a statement. It was a "properly touched block" that completely disrupted Boston's offensive flow. Immediately after, the Warriors seemed to play with a renewed confidence. You could see it in their defensive stances and their offensive execution. That single defensive play accelerated our pace, just as Panangin described, making it easier for the players in the back—the Draymond Greens and Klay Thompsons—to secure the possession and initiate our own offense. It was the turning point that sealed the game, and from my perspective, it was the single most important defensive play of the entire series.
Beyond that iconic moment, the game was a masterclass in defensive tenacity. The Warriors recorded a total of 6 blocks that night, but their impact was far greater than the stat suggests. Draymond Green, often criticized during that series, was a defensive anchor with 2 blocks and countless altered shots. His presence in the paint forced the Celtics into 18 turnovers, a staggering number for a Finals game. I've always believed that defense wins championships, and this game was the ultimate proof. While Curry's offensive explosion was legendary, scoring 43 points on 14-for-26 shooting, including 7 three-pointers, it was the team's collective defensive resolve that provided the foundation for his heroics. The Celtics' Jayson Tatum was held to just 23 points on 8-for-23 shooting, a testament to the Warriors' swarming defense. The way Golden State executed their defensive rotations, closing out on shooters and protecting the rim, was a thing of beauty. It was a perfect demonstration of how a strong block or defensive stop can simplify the game for everyone else, creating a cascade of positive outcomes.
Looking back, Game 4 was more than just a win; it was a blueprint. It showed that even in a league dominated by offensive firepower, the fundamental principles of defense—especially the game-changing potential of a well-timed block—remain paramount. That victory swung the series momentum irrevocably in Golden State's favor, and they never looked back, going on to win the championship in six games. For me, it reinforced a core belief I hold about team sports: a single, perfectly executed defensive effort can empower an entire unit, making the complex look simple and turning pressure into poise. It’s a lesson from the volleyball court that found its ultimate expression on basketball's biggest stage.