Game 4 of the spectacular NBA Christmas season brought yet another chapter in the rivalry that has captured the league over the past decade. It was a heartwarming duel between two of the greatest players of all time.

The conclusion at the Chase Center was clear: they will be sorely missed when they are gone. Yet, amidst this timeless showdown, a third protagonist emerged—Austin Reaves. His triple-double (26 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) and a decisive play against the lukewarm defense of Andrew Wiggins, set up by LeBron (31 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists), signalled a tangible transition. When the torch is passed, basketball will be in good hands.

NBA delivered a Christmas gift

The first quarter ended in a balanced 23-23, setting the stage for the dunk of the day: Kuminga’s emphatic right-handed slam over Max Christie, shrugging off double coverage from Christie and Hachimura. A 12-2 run brought the Warriors back into contention midway through the second quarter. However, the game took a grim turn when Anthony Davis left with an accidental ankle sprain while moving toward the paint.

Halftime arrived with a back-and-forth shootout between LeBron and Curry, each unleashing their best arsenal. The mutual challenge of triple-for-triple electrified the Chase Center, though LeBron left a couple of shots on the rim. In the Lakers’ final push, with Reaves providing relentless energy on the perimeter, the visitors edged ahead 55-52.

Kuminga fought valiantly in the third quarter, but the Lakers outscored the Warriors 29-24. Yet, as always, this was LeBron vs. Curry—a saga for the ages. And, inevitably, it delivered a dramatic climax. While Reaves refused to play a mere supporting role, “The Chef” and “The King” turned up the heat.

A sequence of magical basketball included a legendary LeBron block on Kuminga and a sidereal triple by Schröder, reminiscent of Klay Thompson’s iconic catch-and-shoot moments at the Chase Center. The game unraveled into chaos as Curry nailed improbable long-range shots while LeBron orchestrated a counterattack. In the clutch moments (under 2:40 in the fourth quarter), the two titans traded blows. Nostalgia hit hard.

With under a minute to play, Steph, guarded tightly by LeBron, drilled a corner three-pointer that seemed unreal to mere mortals. Moments later, he added a more orthodox straight-on shot, using Christie’s screen and exploiting the gap created by Green’s defensive seal on Reaves. The scoreboard read 113-113 with just 6.3 seconds left.

But the night didn’t belong to LeBron. Instead, Austin Reaves stepped up, boldly calling for the ball. From the inbound pass, he drove past Wiggins and delivered a decisive reverse layup—a simple yet clutch finish. LeBron had laid the groundwork, and Reaves stole Christmas in San Francisco. Curry’s desperate last-second attempt was just off, leaving the Warriors and their fans in stunned silence. Pandemonium ensued.

SEE ALSO: Steph Curry admits ‘end is near’ for glittering career

Despite hitting 40% of their three-pointers (8-of-15 for Steph), it wasn’t enough for the Warriors. Sometimes, even greatness falters. And when it does, Austin Reaves will be there. LeBron can breathe easy knowing the future is bright.

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