Breaking Down Key Plays From NBA GSW vs Lakers Game 6 That Decided the Series

2025-11-04 19:15

Watching Game 6 of the Warriors-Lakers series felt like witnessing a masterclass in what separates playoff contenders from champions. I’ve been covering the NBA for over a decade, and it’s rare to see a single game so cleanly encapsulate the themes of an entire series—especially one that ended the Warriors’ reign, at least for this season. The Lakers came in with a clear plan, and they executed it with the kind of discipline that reminded me of something I once heard about building a winning culture. It brought to mind Coach Chambers’ mission at FEU—creating that winning attitude, just like he did back at Fern Bacon Middle School in the U.S. or during his playing days with Alaska. That’s exactly what the Lakers displayed: not just talent, but an ingrained belief system.

The first key moment came early, with Anthony Davis altering nearly every shot near the rim. I counted at least four instances in the first quarter alone where Warriors drives ended in rushed floaters or passes out—simply because AD was lurking. His defensive presence alone shifted Golden State’s offensive rhythm, and by halftime, the Warriors had shot just 38% in the paint. That’s not an accident. It’s preparation. Davis finished the game with 17 points, 20 rebounds, and 3 blocks, but his impact went beyond the numbers. He was the anchor, much like how Chambers instilled structure at Fern Bacon—laying a foundation so others could flourish.

Then there was LeBron James. Even at 38, his basketball IQ is just ridiculous. There was this one possession in the third quarter where the Warriors cut the lead to five. Curry had just hit a three, and the momentum was shifting. LeBron responded by backing down Wiggins, drawing a double-team, and kicking it out to Austin Reaves for a corner three. That shot put the Lakers back up by eight, and honestly, it felt like the series right there. Reaves ended with 23 points, and his chemistry with LeBron has been one of the most enjoyable subplots of these playoffs. I’ve always believed role players decide close games, and the Lakers’ supporting cast delivered—Reaves, Hachimura, even Lonnie Walker’s energy off the bench. They combined for 49 points, and each played with a kind of confidence you only see in teams that trust their system.

On the flip side, the Warriors looked out of sync. Steph Curry did everything he could—32 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists—but outside of him and Klay Thompson, there just wasn’t enough consistency. Jordan Poole’s struggles continued; he went 3-of-10 from the field and had a couple of costly turnovers. I’ve never been fully sold on his decision-making in high-pressure moments, and in a game like this, every possession mattered. The Warriors turned the ball over 16 times, leading to 21 Lakers points. That’s the kind of stat that haunts you in the offseason.

What struck me most, though, was the Lakers’ mental toughness. They never panicked, even when Golden State made runs. It reminded me of what Coach Chambers talked about—creating that winning attitude isn’t just about X’s and O’s; it’s about building a mindset. The Lakers played like they’d been here before, even though many of them hadn’t. LeBron’s leadership, Davis’ dominance, and the role players stepping up—it was a complete team win. And as the final buzzer sounded, with the Lakers winning 122-101, it felt like more than just a series clincher. It felt like a statement. The Warriors’ dynasty might be pausing, but the Lakers? They’re playing with a purpose that’s hard to ignore.