In the 2022 NBA Playoffs, Stephen Curry once again reminded the basketball world why he’s one of the most influential and lethal scorers the game has ever seen. Averaging 27.4 points per game, Curry led the Golden State Warriors to their fourth championship in eight seasons and captured the elusive Finals MVP award, completing his Hall of Fame résumé. But his playoff run was more than just numbers — it was a masterclass in leadership, clutch shot-making, and redefining the boundaries of what’s possible on a basketball court.
A Legacy Moment
Despite already having three rings, Curry came into the 2022 playoffs with something to prove. Critics had long questioned his Finals performances and pointed to the lack of a Finals MVP as a stain on his otherwise immaculate résumé. But all of that changed in 2022. With Klay Thompson still easing back into form, Draymond Green in a limited offensive role, and a relatively young supporting cast, Curry took on the bulk of the scoring load — and delivered in spectacular fashion.
From the opening round against the Denver Nuggets to the Finals against the Boston Celtics, Curry was the Warriors’ engine. Whether it was his gravity off the ball, his deep threes that shattered defensive schemes, or his uncanny ability to make the impossible look routine, he dominated every defensive coverage thrown at him.
The Numbers Behind the Brilliance
Curry’s 27.4 points per game came on efficient shooting splits — 45.9% from the field, 39.7% from three, and 82.9% from the free-throw line. He added 5.9 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and nearly a steal per game. What makes his scoring average even more impressive is the way he got those points — often through tight defensive pressure and over multiple defenders.
Unlike many other superstars who rely heavily on isolation plays, Curry’s scoring comes from movement, rhythm, and chaos. Defenses had to chase him through countless screens, which wore them down as games and series progressed. His ability to score without dominating the ball allowed the Warriors’ offense to stay fluid, unpredictable, and devastating.
Game 4: The Defining Moment
If there’s one performance that symbolizes Curry’s 2022 playoff brilliance, it’s Game 4 of the NBA Finals in Boston. With the Warriors down 2–1 in the series and facing a hostile crowd at TD Garden, Curry turned in one of the greatest performances of his career — 43 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, shooting 14-of-26 from the field and 7-of-14 from three.
It was a do-or-die game, and Curry rose to the moment. The Celtics threw everything at him — switches, blitzes, double-teams — but nothing worked. Curry willed his team to a season-saving win and shifted the momentum of the series. After that, the Warriors never looked back, winning the next two games and sealing the championship in six.
That game wasn’t just a reminder of his greatness — it was a statement: Stephen Curry can take over a Finals game like any all-time great.
Elevating His Teammates
Curry’s greatness isn’t just about his own scoring — it’s about how he elevates everyone around him. His gravity — the attention he draws even when he doesn’t have the ball — creates open looks for teammates, opens up driving lanes, and collapses defenses. Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, and even Klay Thompson benefited from Curry’s presence, often finding themselves with cleaner looks because defenders were so focused on Steph.
His off-ball movement and unselfish play have become trademarks of the Warriors’ system. But when needed, Curry can flip the switch and go full takeover mode — as we saw multiple times in the 2022 playoffs.
The Long-Awaited Finals MVP
For years, Curry’s critics pointed out that he had never won a Finals MVP. In 2015, it went to Andre Iguodala. In 2017 and 2018, it went to Kevin Durant. But in 2022, there was no doubt — Steph was the best player on the floor. He averaged 31.2 points per game in the Finals, including two 30-point games and the aforementioned 43-point masterpiece. He was the heart and soul of the Warriors’ championship run and finally received the individual recognition to match his incredible impact.
Legacy Cemented
Curry’s 2022 playoff run — capped by his 27.4 PPG average — didn’t just add to his stats, it cemented his legacy. He’s now a four-time NBA champion, a Finals MVP, and already the greatest shooter in basketball history. But beyond the accolades, Curry represents something even bigger: the evolution of the modern NBA.
He changed the way the game is played, with teams now prioritizing spacing, shooting, and pace in ways they never did before. His range forced defenses to stretch beyond the three-point line, creating a whole new style of play — one that emphasizes movement, creativity, and versatility.
Conclusion
Stephen Curry’s 2022 playoff performance was a masterclass in scoring, leadership, and legacy-building. His 27.4 PPG average is just one piece of a larger story — a story of redemption, greatness, and the continual rewriting of what’s possible on a basketball court. In a league filled with stars, Curry shined brightest when it mattered most, and his name is now permanently etched in postseason greatness.
