2025-11-12 11:00
I still get chills thinking about that third game of the 2022 NBA Finals. Having covered basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed countless playoff moments, but what unfolded that night at TD Garden felt different - it wasn't just about the scoreboard but about players pushing beyond their physical limits, much like what we've seen from imports like the Magnolia player who recently spoke about his journey back to peak condition. He mentioned working relentlessly to regain his 2016-2017 Star Hotshots form, and that same determination was visible throughout Game 3, where athletes dug deep into their reserves to deliver performances that would define their careers.
The Warriors came into this game trailing 2-0, and frankly, I thought the series might slip away from them. But what we witnessed was Stephen Curry putting on one of the most impressive shooting displays I've ever seen in a Finals game - 31 points on 12-of-22 shooting, including 6 three-pointers that felt like daggers to Boston's momentum. The Celtics had been dominant in the fourth quarter throughout the playoffs, outscoring opponents by nearly 15 points per game in final periods, but Golden State flipped that script completely. They outscored Boston 33-25 in the fourth, and I remember thinking during that final stretch how much this reminded me of championship teams from the past - that ability to elevate when everything's on the line.
What many casual viewers might not appreciate is the physical toll these games take. When I heard about the Magnolia import pushing through his recovery to match his 2016-2017 performance levels, it immediately made me think of Draymond Green that night. He was playing through what appeared to be significant discomfort, yet he anchored the defense with 8 rebounds and 5 assists while committing only 2 personal fouls - a remarkable display of controlled aggression. The Warriors' bench contributed 28 points compared to Boston's 19, and that depth proved crucial. I've always believed championship teams need unexpected contributors, and Gary Payton II's 7 points in 15 minutes provided exactly that spark.
The Celtics' Jayson Tatum finished with 26 points, but what stood out to me was his 6 turnovers - many occurring during critical possessions where Boston could have seized control. Having analyzed his game for years, I noticed he seemed hesitant against the Warriors' defensive schemes, particularly when Andrew Wiggins was primary defender. Wiggins, who I've been critical of in the past for his inconsistent motor, delivered arguably his most complete playoff performance with 18 points and 7 rebounds while playing exceptional defense. Sometimes players surprise you when the lights shine brightest, and Wiggins certainly proved me wrong that night.
What fascinates me about these epic Finals moments is how they connect across different leagues and contexts. When the Magnolia import discussed his journey back to his 2016-2017 form, where he averaged around 18 points and 10 rebounds during his prime with Star Hotshots, it underscores a universal truth in basketball: peak performance requires both physical readiness and mental fortitude. In Game 3, we saw Curry playing 40 minutes despite what later emerged as a foot issue, Jordan Poole hitting those incredible deep threes, and Al Horford continuing his surprising playoff shooting efficiency at age 35. These athletes were tapping into that same reserve of determination the Magnolia player described.
The third quarter specifically showcased why basketball can be such a game of runs. Golden State went on a 19-6 burst over roughly five minutes, turning a tight game into what felt like a potential blowout. As someone who's charted hundreds of these momentum swings, I can tell you that the analytics show teams that win the third quarter in Finals games go on to win the series approximately 72% of the time. While Boston would eventually close the gap, that stretch demonstrated the Warriors' championship DNA - their ability to identify weaknesses and exploit them mercilessly.
Looking back, Game 3 represented a turning point that many didn't fully appreciate in the moment. The Warriors' defense held Boston to just 37% shooting in the second half, including 4-of-15 from three-point range. The Celtics' much-vaunted defense, which had been so effective throughout the playoffs, allowed Golden State to shoot 48% from the field. As the Magnolia import recognized in his own journey back to elite performance, sometimes you need to reinvent your approach mid-series, and Steve Kerr's adjustments - particularly his decision to play Looney more minutes against Boston's switching defense - proved masterful.
I've rewatched this game at least six times, and each viewing reveals new details about what makes championship basketball so compelling. The way Curry directed traffic on both ends, the subtle defensive adjustments Boston made in the fourth quarter that nearly worked, the emotional rollercoaster visible on the players' faces - these elements combined to create one of the most memorable Finals games in recent history. It's the kind of performance that inspires athletes everywhere, from NBA stars to imports like the Magnolia player, to push through their limits and chase that elusive peak form, reminding us why we fell in love with this game in the first place.
