22. The Games That Play Us

Complete story — includes the ending

At the playoffs game, Dan coaches Lucas and Nathan in an extreme and abusive way. The team is locked in a dead heat and a player from the other team intentionally hurts Lucas' shoulder. Dan forces him to play regardless and the team loses. Afterwards, Dan chews the team out leading to Nathan finally standing up to Dan and defending Lucas. Brooke and Peyton orchestrate a plan to get rid of Nikki by sending her to Seattle instead of Savannah. Haley decides she's ready to have her first time with Nathan. Lucas says a tearful goodbye to Haley. Lucas and Nathan share a heartfelt goodbye, where Nathan finally calls Lucas his brother and says he's going to miss him, showing how much he and their relationship have changed. Lucas responds with "I'll miss you too, little brother". Karen tells Lucas goodbye and reminds him that Tree Hill and the people in it will always be his home. Deb and Keith talk about their respective relationship losses and sleep together and Dan walks in on them. Dan tells Keith he is no longer his brother. As Dan is signing the divorce papers, he falls to the ground with a heart attack. Deb later finds him and he whispers to her that she better hope he dies. Whitey learns his eye may be more serious. Lucas leaves a goodbye note for Brooke and Peyton. Lucas goes to say goodbye to Haley and is upset that she's slept with Nathan, but she reveals that the two got married. As Lucas and Keith drive away, Lucas narrates that trouble lies ahead. This episode is named after a song by The Blackouts.