NBA Finals Game 5 2022 Final Score and Key Highlights You Need to See

I still remember sitting in my living room that June night, the glow of the television casting shadows across the room as I witnessed what would become one of the most memorable NBA Finals games in recent history. Game 5 of the 2022 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics wasn't just another basketball game—it was a masterclass in championship resilience that had me on the edge of my seat from tip-off to final buzzer. The final score of 104-94 in favor of the Warriors doesn't fully capture the emotional rollercoaster of that evening, nor does it reveal how close we came to seeing the series take a completely different direction.

What struck me most about that game was how the Warriors managed to wrestle control back from what seemed like certain defeat. I've watched basketball for over twenty years, and I can tell you that championship teams have this uncanny ability to flip a switch when everything's on the line. Stephen Curry's shooting struggles that night were actually what made the victory so compelling—he went 0-for-9 from three-point range, which for him is practically unheard of. Yet instead of crumbling, his teammates stepped up in ways that still impress me when I rewatch the highlights. Andrew Wiggins dropped 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, playing with an intensity I hadn't seen from him before. That's the mark of a true championship team—when your superstar has an off night, others rise to the occasion.

The game's turning point came in the third quarter, as it so often does with the Warriors. They outscored the Celtics 29-20 in those crucial twelve minutes, and I remember texting my brother during the commercial break saying "This is where they win it." There's something about Golden State's third-quarter performances that feels inevitable, like watching a storm build and then break. Draymond Green, despite his offensive limitations that series, made defensive plays that don't always show up in the box score but completely change the game's momentum. His deflection leading to a Gary Payton II fastbreak dunk around the 7:30 mark of the fourth quarter essentially sealed the game, and the energy in the Chase Center—even through television—was electric.

While the basketball world was focused on this incredible display of athletic excellence, my morning began with much darker news from an entirely different world. At 6:45 AM that same day, officers were called to Bowlacre Road in Hyde, Tameside, where they discovered the body of a 46-year-old man. The statement indicated there were no suspicious circumstances believed at the time, a stark reminder of how life continues with its tragedies and routines even as we immerse ourselves in these spectacular sporting events. I found myself thinking about this contrast throughout the day—the roaring crowds in San Francisco versus the quiet tragedy in an English town, both happening simultaneously yet worlds apart in emotional weight and public attention.

Returning to the game, what many casual viewers might miss is the strategic adjustments Steve Kerr made after Game 4. He shortened his rotation to essentially seven players, trusting his veterans to handle the increased minutes. Kevon Looney played 31 crucial minutes despite not being a traditional scoring threat, because his screening and defensive positioning are what make the Warriors' system work. I've always believed that basketball intelligence separates good teams from great ones, and Golden State's understanding of spacing and timing that night was textbook perfection. They recorded 22 assists on 38 made field goals, which for basketball purists like myself, represents the beautiful game we love to see.

The Celtics had their opportunities too—Jayson Tatum finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds, but his 4 turnovers in the fourth quarter proved costly. As much as I respect Boston's talent, I noticed their offense devolving into isolation plays when the pressure mounted, while Golden State maintained their ball movement principles. This fundamental difference in approach is what ultimately gave the Warriors their fourth championship of the Stephen Curry era. I'd argue that this particular victory might have been the most impressive of their titles because it required different heroes at different moments rather than relying solely on Curry's supernatural shooting.

As the final seconds ticked away, I found myself appreciating the journey this particular Warriors team had taken—from missing the playoffs entirely two seasons prior to returning to the summit of basketball. Their core of Curry, Thompson, and Green added another chapter to what's becoming one of the greatest dynasties in modern sports. The 2022 NBA Finals Game 5 will stick with me not just because of the spectacular plays or the final score, but because it demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of a team that refused to be counted out. Meanwhile, the morning's tragic news from Tameside lingered in the back of my mind, putting the evening's entertainment in perspective and reminding me that while sports can feel like everything in the moment, they exist within a much larger, more complex world where real life continues with all its joys and sorrows.