Who Won the NBA 2022 Champion? Full Playoff Recap and Final MVP Revealed
Let me take you back to that incredible night at TD Garden when the Golden State Warriors clinched their fourth championship in eight years. I still get chills thinking about how Steph Curry dropped 34 points in that decisive Game 6, finally earning his first Finals MVP after all these years. Having covered the NBA for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous championship runs, but there was something particularly special about this Warriors squad - a team that many had written off after two difficult seasons marred by injuries and roster changes.
The Warriors' path to the 2022 championship was anything but straightforward. They battled through a Western Conference gauntlet that included Nikola Jokić's Denver Nuggets, Ja Morant's Memphis Grizzlies, and Luka Dončić's Dallas Mavericks. What impressed me most was how different players stepped up throughout their playoff run. While Curry remained the engine, we saw Jordan Poole emerge as a legitimate scoring threat, Andrew Wiggins transform into a two-way force, and Klay Thompson gradually rediscover his rhythm after those devastating injuries. The depth of this Warriors team reminded me of something I'd heard from coaches around the league - including comments from Reyes about Winston and Heading's performances for Converge in a different context. Reyes had noted that "even with the struggles, their play is proof of how tough beating Converge is." This perfectly captures what made the Warriors so dangerous - even when their stars weren't shooting well, their depth made them incredibly difficult to beat in a seven-game series.
The Finals against the Boston Celtics presented a fascinating matchup between experience and youth. The Celtics had plowed through the Eastern Conference with their switch-heavy defense and the ascendant Jayson Tatum. Through the first four games, the series was tied 2-2, and many analysts were questioning whether the Warriors' championship DNA would be enough against Boston's relentless defensive pressure. But this is where championship experience truly matters. The Warriors won Game 4 by a decisive 107-97 margin, then took control of the series with a 104-94 victory in Game 5. In that critical Game 5, it was Andrew Wiggins who delivered a spectacular 26-point, 13-rebound performance that completely shifted the series momentum.
When we talk about legacy-defining moments, Curry's performance in Game 6 at Boston will be remembered for generations. Facing elimination, the Celtics came out strong, building an early 14-2 lead. But Curry's composure during that storm was absolutely masterclass. He finished with 34 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, shooting 6-of-11 from three-point range. What many casual fans might not realize is that Curry also anchored the Warriors' defensive efforts, drawing multiple charges and containing Boston's perimeter players effectively. The final score of 103-90 doesn't fully capture how dominant Golden State was in that closeout game.
Looking at the statistics from the entire playoff run reveals some fascinating numbers. The Warriors went 16-6 throughout the postseason, with Curry averaging 27.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. But beyond the numbers, what stood out to me was how this championship felt different from their previous ones. The 2022 title was about redemption, about proving that their dynasty wasn't over, and about a superstar in Curry finally getting the individual Finals recognition that had somehow eluded him despite his transformative impact on the game.
The selection of Curry as Finals MVP was both obvious and deeply satisfying. He received 10 of 11 possible votes, with Jaylen Brown somehow getting the other vote (one of those head-scratching media decisions that occasionally happen in these awards). Having watched Curry's entire career unfold, I can't think of a more deserving recipient. This wasn't just about his scoring - it was about how he controlled the flow of the game, how he manipulated defenses, and how he elevated his teammates throughout the series.
Reflecting on this championship months later, I'm convinced this might be the most impressive title of the Warriors' recent run. They weren't the overwhelming favorites like in 2017, nor were they at full strength like in 2018. They battled through a resurgent Celtics team that had arguably the best defense in the league, and they did it with a mix of veteran savvy and emerging young talent. The way they integrated Poole, Wiggins, and Kevon Looney into their system while maintaining their championship identity was coaching masterclass from Steve Kerr and his staff.
As someone who's analyzed basketball for years, I believe this championship cements the Warriors as one of the greatest dynasties in modern sports history. Four championships in eight years, six Finals appearances during that span, and they've done it while evolving their style and integrating new pieces. The 2022 title proved that their system, built around ball movement, spacing, and defensive versatility, could withstand roster turnover and the natural aging of their core players. For basketball purists, watching this team operate at their peak was like watching a symphony - each player understanding their role, moving with purpose, and trusting the system that has made them so successful.
The legacy of this championship will extend beyond just another banner in Chase Center. It represents the culmination of Curry's individual journey to Finals MVP recognition, the successful integration of a new generation of Warriors players, and a powerful statement about organizational stability in an era of player movement. While other teams have chased big names and dramatic roster shakeups, the Warriors stayed the course, developed their young talent, and trusted their culture. In my view, that's what made this championship particularly sweet - not just for the players and organization, but for those of us who appreciate team-building and long-term vision in professional sports.