I still get chills thinking about Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals. That game wasn't just about basketball—it was about momentum shifts, psychological warfare, and those tiny moments that decide championships. Having analyzed countless games throughout my career, I can confidently say this was one of those rare contests where every possession felt like its own mini-drama. What fascinates me most about championship basketball is how defensive plays create offensive opportunities, something that perfectly aligns with what Philippine volleyball player Panangin once noted about blocking: "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 principle translated beautifully to the hardwood that night at TD Garden.
The Celtics came out swinging, building what felt like an insurmountable 12-point lead early. As someone who's witnessed countless playoff comebacks, I've learned never to count out Steph Curry and the Warriors, but even I had my doubts watching Jayson Tatum's explosive start. The turning point came late in the third quarter when Golden State's defense shifted from good to legendary. Draymond Green's block on Jaylen Brown with 4:12 remaining in the third wasn't just a defensive stop—it was a statement. That block led to a transition three from Curry just 8 seconds later, cutting Boston's lead from 9 to 6. Statistics show the Warriors scored 14 points off turnovers in that quarter alone, a staggering number for a Finals game.
What many casual viewers miss is how these defensive stops create offensive rhythm. When Andrew Wiggins blocked Tatum's dunk attempt with 6:45 left in the fourth, it wasn't just about preventing two points—it completely changed the Celtics' offensive approach. Boston became hesitant in the paint, settling for contested jumpers instead of attacking the rim. I've always believed that great defense travels, and Wiggins' career-high 3 blocks that night proved it. The Warriors outscored Boston 28-19 in that final period, with 11 of those points coming directly after defensive stops. Curry finished with 43 points, but honestly, it was the team's 8 blocks that truly won them the game.
Looking back, that 107-97 victory demonstrated why championship basketball requires both offensive brilliance and defensive discipline. The Warriors understood what Panangin articulated—that proper blocking doesn't just stop opponents; it accelerates your own game. Golden State's 22 fast-break points compared to Boston's 11 tell the real story. As someone who's studied basketball for over fifteen years, I've never been more convinced that defense creates championship offense. That Game 4 performance didn't just tie the series—it fundamentally shifted the momentum toward Golden State's eventual title, proving that sometimes the best offense really does start with a perfectly executed defensive play.