NBA Game 6 Lakers vs Warriors: 5 Key Plays That Decided the Epic Showdown

As I settled into my couch for Game 6 of the Lakers-Warriors series, I could feel the weight of this moment – not just for these two legendary franchises, but for basketball history itself. Having covered the NBA for over fifteen years, I've witnessed countless playoff battles, but there's something uniquely compelling about LeBron James and Stephen Curry facing off with their seasons on the line. What unfolded that night was nothing short of epic, a back-and-forth struggle that came down to five critical plays that decided everything. I want to walk you through these moments not just as an analyst, but as someone who genuinely loves this game, because understanding these turning points reveals why basketball at its highest level remains such beautiful chaos.

The first game-changing sequence came early in the second quarter when Anthony Davis, who finished with 17 points and 20 rebounds, completely dominated the glass against Kevon Looney. This reminded me so much of that Basilan versus Paranaque game I covered overseas, where Basilan's 67-36 rebounding advantage ultimately broke Paranaque's spirit despite their fourth-quarter fightback. Davis did something similar here – his three offensive rebounds in a single possession around the 8:30 mark completely deflated the Warriors' early momentum. I've always believed offensive rebounds are psychological weapons, and Davis wielded them perfectly, extending possessions while draining Golden State's energy. The numbers showed the Lakers finished with 18 second-chance points to Golden State's 6, but what the stats can't capture is how demoralizing those boards were for a Warriors team trying to establish their trademark rhythm.

Now, let's talk about Steph Curry's fourth-quarter explosion. With about 9 minutes left and the Lakers leading 89-85, Curry hit what I consider one of the most difficult shots I've seen all season – a contested 28-foot three-pointer with Austin Reaves practically in his jersey. That shot brought Golden State within one and had Chase Center absolutely erupting. But here's where the Lakers showed their championship DNA. Instead of calling timeout, LeBron immediately attacked the mismatch against Jordan Poole, drawing a foul and converting both free throws. That quick response prevented the Warriors from riding the emotional wave Curry had created. I've seen so many teams crumble after spectacular Curry moments, but LeBron's immediate counterpunch was a masterclass in situational awareness.

The third decisive play came from an unexpected hero – Dennis Schröder. With 4:12 remaining and the Lakers clinging to a 3-point lead, Schröder made a defensive play that won't make many highlight reels but absolutely won the game. He fought through two screens to stay attached to Klay Thompson, then contested a corner three without fouling – something so many defenders get wrong in that situation. Thompson's shot rattled out, and the Lakers secured the rebound. Having watched Schröder develop over the years, I've always admired his defensive tenacity, but this was next-level execution under playoff pressure. The Warriors shot just 32% from deep in the fourth quarter, and disciplined close-outs like Schröder's were the reason why.

Then came what I'll controversially call the game's most overlooked moment – Draymond Green's technical foul with 2:47 left. After a questionable no-call on LeBron's drive, Green erupted at the officials, earning a technical that shifted momentum permanently. Look, I've defended Draymond's passion many times, but this was a catastrophic loss of composure. The Lakers were in the bonus, LeBron hit the technical free throw, then AD converted two more on the ensuing possession. That three-point swing turned a one-possession game into a six-point Lakers lead, and Golden State never recovered. In close games, emotional control matters as much as physical execution, and Green's outburst cost his team dearly when they needed stability most.

The final dagger came with 1:15 remaining, when LeBron isolated against Andrew Wiggins near the top of the key. Everyone in the building expected him to drive, but he stepped back and buried a 26-foot three-pointer that put the Lakers up 108-99. I've watched LeBron make big shots for nearly two decades, but this one felt different – it was cold, calculated, and utterly devastating. The Warriors had used their final timeout, their defense was scrambling, and LeBron recognized he needed to deliver the knockout blow. That shot exemplified why he remains arguably the most clutch player in basketball history – not just because he made it, but because he understood exactly when to take it.

What struck me most about this game was how it mirrored that Basilan-Paranaque matchup I mentioned earlier – one team dominating physically through rebounding, while the other fought desperately to stay competitive using a shortened rotation. Steve Kerr essentially used an eight-man rotation, much like Paranaque did, and while it kept them competitive through three quarters, the Lakers' physical advantages ultimately wore them down. The final rebounding margin was 58-42 in favor of Los Angeles, but more importantly, 16 of those were offensive rebounds that extended crucial possessions. Having covered basketball across different levels, I've learned that playoff series often come down to which team can impose their style, and the Lakers made this a physical battle the Warriors simply couldn't win.

Watching the final seconds tick away, I couldn't help but reflect on how these epic showdowns define legacies. LeBron finished with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists – another near-triple-double when it mattered most – while Curry's 32 points ultimately weren't enough. The Lakers advance because they executed in these five critical moments, showing the poise and physical dominance that separates contenders from champions. For Golden State, it's a disappointing end to a turbulent season, but for us basketball lovers, we witnessed another chapter in this incredible rivalry. These games remind me why I fell in love with basketball – not just for the athletic brilliance, but for these intricate battles within the battle that ultimately decide who survives and who goes home.