As I rewatched the 2022 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics, I couldn't help but notice how certain moments became turning points that ultimately decided the championship. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've learned that championships aren't won in single games but through sequences of crucial plays that shift momentum permanently. The Warriors' sixth finals appearance in eight years demonstrated this perfectly, with several key instances that separated champions from contenders.
What struck me most was Stephen Curry's performance in Game 4 at TD Garden. The Warriors were down 2-1 in the series, and another loss would have put them in a nearly insurmountable 3-1 deficit. Curry delivered one of the most impressive performances of his career, scoring 43 points with 10 rebounds while shooting 53.8% from the field. I remember watching that game thinking this was Curry silencing every critic who claimed he couldn't perform in crucial finals moments. His fourth-quarter leadership was particularly remarkable - scoring 10 points in the final period while Boston's defense seemed completely helpless against his movement without the ball. That game didn't just tie the series; it fundamentally broke Boston's confidence and shifted the momentum entirely to Golden State's favor.
The defensive adjustments Steve Kerr made throughout the series deserve more credit than they typically receive. After Game 1, where the Celtics scored 120 points, the Warriors completely transformed their defensive scheme. They started switching more aggressively on screens and implemented what I'd call a "help and recover" system that limited Boston's three-point opportunities. The numbers tell the story clearly - after shooting 42.9% from three in their Game 1 victory, the Celtics' three-point percentage dropped to just 34.4% over the next five games. Andrew Wiggins' defensive contribution against Jayson Tatum was particularly outstanding, holding the Celtics' star to just 37.5% shooting when directly matched up. As someone who values defensive execution as much as offensive fireworks, I found this strategic adjustment more impressive than any individual scoring performance.
Game 5 featured what I consider the most underrated moment of the series - Draymond Green's fourth-quarter performance after struggling throughout the first four games. Facing mounting criticism from analysts and fans alike, Green recorded 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists while playing crucial defense in the final minutes. His plus-minus of +15 led all players, proving that impact goes beyond traditional statistics. I've always appreciated how Green's value isn't captured in box scores, and this game demonstrated why the Warriors' system depends on his unique skill set. The emotional leadership he provided during timeouts and between possessions was palpable even through television screens.
The clinching Game 6 at Boston's TD Garden showcased the Warriors' championship experience against Boston's relative inexperience in high-pressure situations. The Celtics committed 22 turnovers leading to 27 Warriors points - numbers that still surprise me when I look them up. Golden State's bench outscored Boston's 21-13, with Jordan Poole's 15 points providing the spark that maintained their lead throughout the second half. What impressed me most was how the Warriors maintained composure during Boston's third-quarter runs, answering every basket with calculated offensive sets rather than rushed possessions. Having witnessed all six of Golden State's recent finals appearances, I can confidently say this victory represented their most complete team performance since their first championship in 2015.
Reflecting on the series months later, it's clear that Golden State's victory was built on moments where experience and adaptability overcame raw talent. The Celtics had the physical advantage in several matchups, but the Warriors' understanding of how to win championship basketball proved decisive. For me, this series reinforced that championships are won through responding to adversity rather than avoiding it entirely. The Warriors faced multiple elimination scenarios after Game 1 and responded with the poise of veterans who understood the marathon nature of a seven-game series. Their eighth championship in franchise history might be remembered for Curry finally winning his first Finals MVP, but the collective resilience throughout those key moments truly defined their return to the NBA's summit.