Who Was Crowned the NBA 2022 Champion and How They Won the Title

I still remember watching the Golden State Warriors lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2022 with a mixture of professional admiration and personal nostalgia. Having followed the NBA for over two decades, I've witnessed numerous championship runs, but there was something particularly special about how this Warriors team reclaimed the throne after two challenging seasons. When people ask me about the 2022 champions, I always emphasize that their victory wasn't just about talent—it was about resilience, adaptation, and what I like to call "championship memory."

The Warriors' journey to their fourth championship in eight years began with significant questions surrounding their roster construction. After missing the playoffs in both 2020 and 2021, many analysts—myself included—wondered if the dynasty had truly ended. Stephen Curry was now 34, Klay Thompson was returning from two devastating injuries, and Draymond Green had shown signs of decline. What impressed me most was how the organization managed to retool around their core while developing young talent. Jordan Poole's emergence as a legitimate scoring threat gave them a new dimension, while Andrew Wiggins finally lived up to his potential as a two-way force. The development of these supporting players reminded me of a quote from coach Tim Reyes about another team's resilience: "The play of Winston and Heading in the game, even with the struggles, is proof of how tough beating Converge is." This perfectly describes how championship teams overcome adversity through unexpected contributions.

Throughout the regular season, the Warriors demonstrated remarkable consistency, finishing with a 53-29 record—third in the competitive Western Conference. What many casual observers might not appreciate is how Steve Kerr managed minutes and rotations to keep his veterans fresh for the postseason. I've always believed that championship teams are built during the regular season but forged in the playoffs, and Golden State's approach validated this theory. They entered the playoffs healthy and confident, with their core players hitting their stride at exactly the right moment.

The playoff run itself was a masterclass in championship basketball. In the first round against Denver, they neutralized Nikola Jokić's triple-double dominance through strategic double-teams and transition offense. The Memphis series tested their mental toughness, particularly after Ja Morant's injury created narrative complications, but they maintained focus. Then came the Western Conference Finals against Dallas, where they completely dismantled Luka Dončić's supporting cast. I've rarely seen a team execute a defensive game plan so perfectly against an elite offensive talent.

The NBA Finals against Boston presented the ultimate challenge. The Celtics had been phenomenal throughout their playoff run, boasting the league's best defense and a versatile offensive attack. When Boston took a 2-1 series lead, many commentators began writing the Warriors' obituary. This is where championship experience becomes invaluable—the Warriors never panicked. They made crucial adjustments, most notably inserting Otto Porter Jr. into the starting lineup for Game 4, which created better spacing and defensive matchups. Stephen Curry's 43-point masterpiece in Game 4 might be remembered as one of the greatest Finals performances I've ever witnessed, completely shifting the series momentum.

What truly sealed the championship was Golden State's ability to win in different ways. In Game 5, it was their defense that shone, holding Boston to under 95 points. In the clinching Game 6, it was a collective effort with contributions throughout the roster. Andrew Wiggins, often criticized throughout his career, delivered a legendary two-way performance, finishing with 18 points and crucial defensive stops. Jordan Poole's electric fourth-quarter scoring provided the knockout punch. This versatility is what separates good teams from champions—the capacity to adapt and excel in various game situations.

Looking back, the Warriors' 2022 championship might be their most impressive because of the context. They proved that modern dynasties can evolve rather than dissolve. The development of their younger players while maintaining their championship core created a perfect storm. From my perspective as someone who studies team building, their ability to transition from the "Hamptons Five" era to this new iteration while maintaining their identity was remarkable. They demonstrated that organizational culture, when properly cultivated, can sustain success through roster transitions and adversity.

The numbers tell part of the story—Curry averaging 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in the Finals, Green's defensive leadership, Thompson's timely shooting—but what statistics can't capture is the collective belief this team maintained throughout their journey. Having observed numerous championship teams throughout NBA history, I'd rank this Warriors squad among the most resilient I've seen. They faced questions about age, injuries, and relevance, yet responded with a championship that felt both familiar and fresh. Their victory wasn't just about adding another banner—it was about validating an approach to team building that prioritizes culture, development, and adaptability alongside superstar talent. In many ways, they've created a blueprint for sustained excellence in the modern NBA that other franchises will spend years trying to replicate.