2025-11-12 13:00
by
nlpkak
Watching Game 4 of the Warriors-Lakers series felt like witnessing one of those classic boxing matches where momentum swings wildly in the final rounds. I couldn't help but recall the Barrios fight where he trailed on all three judges' scorecards after eight rounds but dug deep to win the final three rounds for the biggest victory of his career. That's exactly what the Warriors needed tonight - to win the final "rounds" of this game after falling behind early, and boy did they deliver when it mattered most.
The first quarter had me genuinely concerned for Golden State. The Lakers came out with that aggressive defensive scheme we've seen them deploy throughout the series, holding the Warriors to just 21 points while putting up 31 themselves. Anthony Davis was absolutely dominant in the paint, recording 3 blocks in the opening period alone. From my perspective, the Warriors looked tentative, settling for contested threes instead of working their signature ball movement. They went 2-for-9 from beyond the arc in that first quarter, and I found myself thinking they might need to adjust their approach entirely if they wanted to climb back into this thing.
What impressed me most was how Golden State responded in the second quarter. Steve Kerr made that crucial adjustment I was hoping for, inserting Gary Payton II into the lineup for additional defensive intensity. The energy shift was palpable - you could feel it even through the television screen. The Warriors went on a 15-4 run over a four-minute stretch, cutting what had been a 13-point deficit down to just 2. Steph Curry, who had been relatively quiet early, hit back-to-back threes during that run, including one from about 28 feet that brought the Chase Center crowd to its feet. That's when I knew we had a different ballgame on our hands.
The third quarter showcased why the Warriors' system, when working properly, remains one of basketball's beautiful masterpieces. They outscored the Lakers 38-29 in the period, shooting an incredible 65% from the field. Klay Thompson, who I've defended through his shooting slumps this postseason, finally found his rhythm with 12 points in the quarter alone. What stood out to me was the ball movement - the Warriors recorded 11 assists on 13 made field goals in that quarter. That's the kind of basketball that wins championships, and it reminded me why I've always believed in this team's core philosophy.
Now let's talk about the fourth quarter, because this is where games are truly won or lost. With about six minutes remaining and the Warriors clinging to a 4-point lead, Draymond Green made what I consider the defensive play of the game. LeBron James drove to the basket looking for what would have been an and-one opportunity, but Green stayed vertical, forced a miss, and secured the rebound. That possession encapsulated everything about Green's value - his basketball IQ, his defensive positioning, and his understanding of moment. The Warriors came down and hit a three on the ensuing possession, effectively sealing the game.
Jordan Poole's contribution off the bench can't be overlooked either. The young guard added 15 points, including a crucial four-point play with 3:12 remaining that extended the lead to 8 points. I've been critical of Poole's decision-making at times this season, but tonight he played within himself while still providing that explosive scoring punch the second unit desperately needs. His plus-minus of +12 tells the story of his impact better than any highlight reel could.
Looking at the final numbers, Curry finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists - another stellar performance from the veteran who continues to defy Father Time. Davis put up 28 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers, but what stood out to me was his declining efficiency as the game progressed. He shot just 3-for-9 in the fourth quarter, showing signs of fatigue against the Warriors' persistent defensive attention. LeBron added 25 points, but his 6 turnovers proved costly in key moments.
From a strategic standpoint, the Warriors won this game by winning the battle of adjustments. Kerr's decision to go small more frequently disrupted the Lakers' defensive rotations and created driving lanes that simply weren't there in the first half. The Warriors scored 48 points in the paint compared to just 36 in Game 3 - that's a significant improvement that speaks to their ability to adapt. Frankly, I think this adjustment will be crucial as the series progresses, potentially giving Golden State the blueprint they need to advance.
The Warriors also dominated the transition game, outscoring the Lakers 22-9 in fast break points. This has been a key indicator throughout the series - when Golden State can get out and run, they're nearly impossible to stop. Their pace and spacing in transition creates those open looks that their shooters feast on. I've always believed that controlling tempo is half the battle in playoff basketball, and tonight the Warriors imposed their will in that department.
What this victory demonstrates, in my view, is the Warriors' championship DNA. Much like Barrios needing to win those final three rounds, Golden State understood they needed to win the final three quarters after that disastrous start. Their resilience, their adjustments, and their execution under pressure reminded everyone why they've been the standard in the Western Conference for the better part of a decade. As someone who's followed this team through their ups and downs, I can confidently say this was one of their more impressive playoff victories in recent memory.
The series now shifts back to San Francisco for Game 5, and I'm genuinely excited to see how the Lakers respond. Will they make the necessary counter-adjustments, or will the Warriors' small-ball approach continue to give them problems? One thing's for certain - if Golden State can maintain this level of intensity and execution, they've got a real chance to take control of this series. Tonight showed us that even when they're down, this team has the heart and intelligence to fight their way back into any contest.
