NBA Finals Game 4 Key Plays That Decided the Championship Outcome

Walking into Game 4 of the NBA Finals, I could feel the weight of the moment hanging in the air. As someone who’s covered basketball for over a decade, I’ve learned that close-out games are a different beast entirely. They demand a level of mental toughness and execution that’s often underestimated. I remember watching LA Tenorio’s post-game reflections from a PBA series a few years back, where he said something that’s stuck with me ever since: “Close-out games are really the hardest part of the series especially against a team like Talk ‘N Text. Depensahan eh.” That phrase—“Depensahan,” or “It’s all about defense”—echoed in my mind as I analyzed the key plays that ultimately decided this championship outcome. Tenorio’s experience, having lost twice in similar situations against Meralco, highlights just how fragile these moments can be. Teams that have been there before, feeling that sting of defeat, often carry a different kind of urgency into these games. And honestly, I think that’s what separated the two teams last night—not just talent, but resilience and defensive discipline when it mattered most.

Let’s start with the third quarter, around the 8:32 mark. The score was tied at 78-78, and the momentum could have swung either way. I’ve always believed that championships are won in these gritty, mid-game stretches, not just the final minutes. One play that stood out to me was a defensive stop by the Celtics—a perfectly timed double-team on the opposing team’s star player near the top of the key. It forced a turnover that led to a fast-break dunk, shifting the energy in the arena entirely. Statistically, the Celtics scored 12 points off turnovers in the third quarter alone, and I’d argue that particular play sparked a 9-2 run over the next two minutes. From my perspective, this is where coaching really shines. The defensive adjustment to trap the ball-handler wasn’t just random; it was a calculated risk based on film study, and it paid off massively. I’ve seen teams in the past, like Tenorio’s Ginebra squad, falter in similar spots because they hesitated or overthought the coverage. Here, the Celtics played with a kind of defensive synergy that reminded me of the 2008 Celtics team—swarming, communicative, and unrelenting.

Then there was the offensive execution down the stretch. With about three minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Warriors were down by four points and had possession. They ran a set play we’ve seen them execute flawlessly all season—a dribble hand-off leading to a three-point attempt from Steph Curry. But this time, the defense was ready. The close-out was rapid, the contest was high, and Curry’s shot rimmed out. In my opinion, that missed three was a turning point. I’ve always admired Curry’s clutch gene, but last night, the defensive pressure seemed to get to him just enough. The numbers back this up: Curry shot just 2-of-8 from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter, a stark drop from his series average of 42%. What made it worse for Golden State was the ensuing possession—a rushed transition opportunity that resulted in a charging foul. Those back-to-back errors cost them dearly, and as a fan of well-executed basketball, it was frustrating to watch. I can’t help but feel that if they’d shown the patience Tenorio described in his interviews—learning from past losses—they might have managed that sequence better. Instead, it felt like déjà vu from their 2016 Finals collapse, where rushed shots and defensive lapses piled up at the worst possible time.

Another key moment that I think deserves more attention is the rebounding battle in the final five minutes. The Celtics grabbed three offensive boards in a single possession, leading to a crucial put-back dunk that extended their lead to six points with under a minute to go. Rebounding might not be as glamorous as a deep three, but in close-out games, it’s often the hustle plays that define the outcome. I recall Tenorio emphasizing the importance of “depensahan” not just as on-ball defense, but as a full-team effort—boxing out, communicating switches, and securing 50-50 balls. Last night, the Celtics out-rebounded the Warriors 48-42 overall, with 12 of those being offensive rebounds. That’s an effort stat, plain and simple. From my experience covering the league, teams that win the rebounding battle in the Finals have historically gone on to win the championship about 70% of the time. It’s a rough estimate, but it underscores how vital those second-chance points are. Personally, I love seeing that kind of grit; it’s what separates good teams from legendary ones.

As the clock winded down, the Celtics’ ability to maintain composure under pressure was the final nail in the coffin. With 30 seconds left, they executed a flawless inbound play that resulted in an open layup, effectively sealing the game. It was a thing of beauty—precise cuts, smart passes, and ice-cold nerves. Reflecting on Tenorio’s comments about past losses, I think this Celtics team learned from their own failures in previous playoffs. They didn’t let the moment overwhelm them; instead, they leaned on their defensive identity and trusted their system. In the end, the final score of 107-101 doesn’t fully capture how intense those key moments were. For me, this game was a masterclass in closing out a series—a blend of strategic adjustments, individual brilliance, and collective heart. It’s a reminder that in the NBA Finals, it’s not always about who has the most stars, but who executes when the pressure is at its peak. And after last night, I’m more convinced than ever that defense, as Tenorio put it, is what truly decides championships.