NBA 2022 Champion Golden State Warriors: Complete Victory Story and Roster Analysis

Looking back at the 2022 NBA Finals, I still get chills thinking about how the Golden State Warriors reclaimed their throne. As someone who’s followed this team since the "We Believe" era, I’ve seen dynasties rise and retool, but what the Dubs pulled off last season was nothing short of masterful. They didn’t just win—they reminded everyone why basketball is as much a mental game as a physical one. When I rewatch those finals games, especially Game 6 where they closed it out against the Celtics, it’s clear this wasn’t a fluke. It was a story of resilience, tactical genius, and a roster built not just for talent, but for moments.

Let’s talk about that roster, because honestly, it’s one of the most beautifully constructed teams in recent memory. Stephen Curry, at 34, delivered what I believe was the most impactful Finals performance of his career—averaging 31.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while finally grabbing that elusive Finals MVP. And let’s be real, seeing him weep after the final buzzer got me emotional too. Then there was Jordan Poole, who I’ve been high on since his Michigan days. His regular-season explosion—18.5 points per game off the bench—gave Golden State a scoring punch that few second units could handle. Andrew Wiggins, often criticized earlier in his career, embraced his role perfectly, locking down Jayson Tatum while dropping 18.3 a game in the Finals. And Draymond Green? Love him or hate him, his defensive IQ and leadership were irreplaceable. I’d argue the Warriors don’t win it all without his intensity, even on nights when his shooting was off.

But here’s what stood out to me most: the Warriors’ ability to stay composed under pressure. It reminds me of a quote from a piece I read about another team’s resilience—Reyes said the play of Winston and Heading in the game, even with the struggles, is proof of how tough beating Converge is. That idea resonates deeply with Golden State’s run. Even when they struggled, like in Game 1 of the Finals where they coughed up a 15-point lead, or when Klay Thompson had those off-nights shooting, they never looked rattled. Steve Kerr’s adjustments—like leaning more on Gary Payton II’s defense in key stretches—were spot-on. I’ve always admired Kerr’s calm demeanor, and in 2022, it felt like the entire team fed off that. They knew how to grind, how to adapt, and honestly, that’s what separates good teams from champions.

Of course, the road wasn’t smooth. Injuries earlier in the season had people writing them off—myself included, at times. James Wiseman’s absence forced them to play small, and honestly, it ended up working in their favor. Kevon Looney’s rebounding, especially in the Memphis series where he grabbed 22 boards in a closeout game, was a revelation. And let’s not forget the young guys. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody didn’t always play big minutes, but their energy in spot roles kept the veterans fresh. I remember thinking during the Denver series, "This team has depth," and it showed. They weren’t just relying on the old guard; they blended experience with youth in a way that felt organic.

Statistically, the Warriors were a marvel. They finished the regular season with a 53-29 record, which I’ll admit, doesn’t scream "dominant," but their net rating of +5.9 in the playoffs was elite. They shot 36.4% from three as a team in the Finals, and their defense held Boston to under 105 points in four of the six games. But numbers only tell part of the story. What sticks with me is the vibe around the team—the joy they played with, the unselfish ball movement, the trust. In an era where superteams often feel manufactured, the Warriors felt authentic. They drafted well, developed talent, and stuck to their system.

As I reflect on that championship, it’s clear Golden State’s victory was a testament to culture and continuity. In today’s NBA, where player movement is constant, they showed that building something sustainable still matters. Sure, they had Curry, but it was the collective effort—from Curry’s gravity opening up shots for others, to Looney’s dirty work, to Otto Porter Jr.’s timely contributions—that made them special. I’ll always cherish this title because it felt like a redemption arc for the entire organization. Moving forward, whether they repeat or not, the 2022 Warriors have already cemented their legacy as one of the most resilient champions I’ve ever seen. And if you ask me, that’s what great teams are all about—finding a way, even when the odds seem stacked against them.