I still remember watching Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Finals with that incredible intensity - the kind that makes you lean forward in your seat even when you're watching alone. When Stephen Curry was announced as the 2022 NBA Finals MVP, it felt like the basketball universe had corrected itself. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen plenty of dominant performances, but what Curry accomplished during those finals was something special that deserves deeper examination.
Curry's performance wasn't just about scoring, though he did average an impressive 31.2 points across the six-game series. What really stood out to me was how he completely controlled the flow of each game, much like how elite athletes in other sports dominate their respective courts. This reminds me of what my colleague Canino mentioned about volleyball - how he's been closely watching that Bulgarian star who emerged as FIVB World's best outside spiker. There's something fascinating about observing truly dominant athletes across different sports and understanding what makes them stand out when the pressure is highest.
The way Curry moved without the ball during the 2022 NBA Finals was absolutely masterful. He'd sprint through screens, change directions abruptly, and create just enough space to release those lightning-quick shots that became his signature. Defenders knew what was coming but couldn't stop it - kind of like watching an elite spiker in volleyball where everyone knows the attack is coming but the execution is simply unstoppable. I particularly remember Game 4 where Curry dropped 43 points while shooting over 47% from three-point range. Those numbers aren't just statistics - they represent complete offensive domination that forced the Celtics to constantly adjust their defensive schemes.
What many casual viewers might not appreciate is how Curry's gravity - the defensive attention he commands even without the ball - created opportunities for his teammates. When two defenders would jump out on Curry near the three-point line, it left players like Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole with cleaner looks. This aspect of team impact is what separates good players from true MVP-caliber performers. In my view, this gravitational effect on defenses is similar to how a dominant outside spiker in volleyball pulls multiple blockers, opening up opportunities for their teammates to score more easily.
The clinching Game 6 showcased Curry's maturity as a complete player. While he "only" scored 34 points that night (if you can call 34 points in a finals closeout game "only"), his seven assists and leadership throughout demonstrated why he truly deserved the Finals MVP honor. Having watched basketball for years, I've come to appreciate how the best players elevate their games when championships are on the line. Curry's performance throughout the series, particularly in the closeout game, reminded me why he's one of the players I'll be telling my grandchildren about someday.
Looking back at that 2022 championship run, it's clear that Curry's Finals MVP was the culmination of his evolution as a complete offensive force. The way he dominated the court went beyond scoring - it was about controlling the game's rhythm, creating for others, and making the right decisions under pressure. Much like how that Bulgarian volleyball star Canino follows has mastered outside spiking to dominate internationally, Curry has refined his game to near-perfection when it matters most. Both athletes demonstrate that true dominance isn't just about physical talent but about understanding how to maximize impact within their sport's context. That 2022 NBA Finals MVP performance will undoubtedly be part of basketball conversations for years to come, and honestly, I feel privileged to have witnessed it unfold in real time.