I still get chills thinking about Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals. That matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics wasn't just another championship game—it was where legacies were forged and the series ultimately swung in Golden State's favor. Having analyzed countless NBA finals throughout my career, I can confidently say this particular game demonstrated something we often overlook: how subtle defensive adjustments can completely shift a game's momentum, much like volleyball player Panangin's insight about blocks creating faster gameplay and making things easier for those in the backcourt.
The Warriors entered that game down 2-1 in the series, facing what many considered a must-win situation. What struck me most was how Golden State's defense transformed throughout the game, particularly their ability to disrupt Boston's rhythm. Stephen Curry's offensive brilliance—34 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists—rightfully grabbed headlines, but the defensive execution in crucial moments truly decided this contest. I've always believed championship teams win with defense when their offense isn't firing perfectly, and this game proved that theory yet again. The Warriors managed to hold the Celtics to just 97 points despite Boston shooting 43% from the field, which doesn't sound impressive until you consider they limited them to only 8 three-pointers compared to their regular season average of 13.4.
What fascinated me was watching Golden State's defensive communication improve as the game progressed. They started reading Boston's plays better, anticipating passes, and creating those crucial defensive stops that lead to transition opportunities. This reminded me of Panangin's volleyball analogy about proper blocking technique creating faster gameplay and making things easier for defenders in the back—in basketball terms, when the frontcourt defense establishes position and touches the ball correctly, it simplifies everything for the players behind them. The Warriors recorded 8 blocks that game, with Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney combining for 5 of them, and each block seemed to energize their transition offense. I particularly remember Wiggins' fourth-quarter block on Jayson Tatum—that wasn't just a defensive stop, it was a statement that shifted the game's emotional tide completely.
Golden State's defensive intensity directly translated into their offensive flow, creating what I like to call "cascading momentum." Every defensive stop seemed to fuel their offensive confidence, particularly in the final quarter where they outscored Boston 28-19. The numbers support what my eyes observed—the Warriors scored 18 fast-break points compared to Boston's 9, and they converted 15 points off Boston's 16 turnovers. This defensive-to-offensive connection is something I've seen championship teams master, and Golden State demonstrated it perfectly that night. Their ability to maintain defensive discipline while pushing the pace created exhausting possessions for Boston, who appeared increasingly frustrated as the game progressed.
Looking back, Game 4 wasn't decided by any single spectacular play but by Golden State's systematic defensive approach that wore Boston down. The Warriors understood that proper defensive positioning and timing—touching the ball correctly, to borrow Panangin's terminology—creates opportunities throughout the game. This defensive foundation allowed their offense to flourish when it mattered most, particularly in the fourth quarter where they shot 52% from the field while holding Boston to 36%. Having watched basketball for over two decades, I can say with certainty that this game will be studied for years as a masterclass in how defensive adjustments can win championships. The final score showed 107-97, but the story was how Golden State's defense built that lead gradually, systematically, and ultimately decisively.