NBA GSW vs Lakers Game 4: Key Plays and Turning Points That Decided the Outcome

As I settled into my couch for Game 4 of the Warriors-Lakers series, I couldn't help but feel that familiar tension that comes with elimination games. Having covered basketball for over a decade, I've learned to recognize when a team's back is against the wall, and tonight felt different from the previous three matchups. The Warriors weren't just playing to avoid a 3-1 deficit - they were fighting for their playoff lives, and what unfolded was a masterclass in championship resilience that reminded me of something I'd recently witnessed in the boxing world.

The first half played out exactly as many analysts predicted, with the Lakers controlling the tempo through Anthony Davis' interior dominance. They built what felt like an insurmountable lead, up by 12 points heading into halftime. Watching the Warriors struggle, I recalled that incredible boxing match where Barrios trailed on all three judges' scorecards after the eighth round. The situation felt strikingly similar - the Warriors were essentially down on the scorecards, needing to win the final "rounds" to salvage their season. Both scenarios demonstrated that in combat sports and basketball alike, the final moments often reveal a competitor's true character.

What impressed me most was how Golden State approached the third quarter. Rather than panicking, they methodically chipped away at the lead with the precision we've come to expect from championship DNA. Steph Curry's back-to-back three pointers at the 7:34 and 6:52 marks weren't just scoring plays - they were psychological blows that shifted the game's entire momentum. I've always believed that championship teams have this uncanny ability to land their best punches when it matters most, much like Barrios needed to win those final three rounds in his bout. The Warriors outscored the Lakers 38-23 in that decisive third quarter, completely flipping the script.

The turning point came with about four minutes left in the game, when Draymond Green made what I consider the defensive play of the series. With the Lakers down by only five and LeBron driving to the basket, Green's perfectly timed help defense forced a turnover that led to a Klay Thompson transition three. That sequence didn't just add five points to the lead - it completely deflated the Lakers' comeback attempt. In my experience covering playoff basketball, these momentum-swinging plays often matter more than the final score suggests. The Warriors scored 12 points off turnovers in the fourth quarter alone, compared to just 4 for the Lakers.

What many casual viewers might miss is how coaching adjustments decided this game. Steve Kerr's decision to go small with Gary Payton II in the closing minutes was absolutely brilliant, giving the Warriors the switching versatility they needed to counter the Lakers' size advantage. Meanwhile, Darvin Ham's reluctance to call timeouts during the Warriors' third-quarter run baffled me - I counted at least two instances where a well-timed timeout could have stemmed the bleeding. These coaching decisions often get overlooked in post-game analysis, but they're frequently the difference between winning and losing in high-stakes games.

The individual performances were nothing short of spectacular. Curry finished with 32 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, but his impact went beyond the numbers. His gravity created countless opportunities for his teammates, particularly Andrew Wiggins, who added 21 points on an efficient 9-of-16 shooting. On the Lakers' side, LeBron's 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists look impressive on paper, but his 5 turnovers - including two in the final three minutes - proved costly. Having watched countless playoff games, I've noticed that superstar performances in elimination games often come down to who makes fewer mistakes in crunch time.

The final minutes played out like a chess match, with both teams trading baskets but the Warriors consistently making the smarter plays. Jordan Poole's corner three with 1:12 remaining felt like the dagger - the kind of shot that separates contenders from pretenders. I've always believed that championship teams find ways to win even when they're not at their best, and tonight the Warriors proved they still have that quality. They shot 48% from the field and 40% from three-point range, but more importantly, they won the hustle categories that often decide close games - outrebounding the Lakers 45-41 and scoring 18 fast-break points to LA's 12.

Reflecting on this game, I'm struck by how similar it felt to that Barrios boxing match I mentioned earlier. Both competitors found themselves trailing late, facing what seemed like inevitable defeat, yet both dug deep to find something extra when it mattered most. The Warriors' 118-115 victory wasn't just about tying the series - it was a statement that championship pedigree matters. As someone who's followed this team throughout their dynasty, I can confidently say this was one of their most impressive playoff wins in recent memory. The series now shifts back to San Francisco tied 2-2, and if Game 4 taught us anything, it's that counting out the Warriors is always a mistake.