Final Regular Season Game: Warriors vs. Clippers
Steve Kerr acknowledged the situation clearly.
Sunday night’s last game of the regular season between the Warriors and the Clippers didn’t bring much significance for either side. Both teams had a showdown just three days later with greater implications, so neither coach wanted to reveal strategies during the narrow 115-110 loss to LA.
“Wednesday is definitely going to be a lot different,” Kerr noted before the game.
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and Draymond Green (back) were out before tipoff, while the remaining regulars played the full 48 minutes, their futures hinging on a game happening 1,500 miles away in Portland.
It’s expected that both players will be back for Wednesday’s crucial rematch, especially after the Trail Blazers secured their position with a 122-110 victory over the Kings.
As anticipated, Stephen Curry participated in a challenging game, his most intensive since returning from a 27-game absence due to a knee injury. He scored 24 points in 29 minutes and is set to play extensively on Wednesday.
With Green absent, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford split duties as the fifth starter for the Warriors alongside Curry, Brandin Podzemski, and De’Anthony Melton.
Porzingis struggled with his three-point shooting, missing all four attempts and finishing with 12 points in 24 minutes. Horford managed just five points from two field goals in 19 minutes. Both players did outpace Charles Bassey, who scored 16 points, marking his third consecutive game in double digits.
“We need a strong fourth quarter on Wednesday,” Kerr remarked. “Tonight was another opportunity to head in that direction, but it feels different when the result doesn’t matter.”
Implications of the Game
The Warriors wrapped up the regular season with a record of 37 wins and 45 losses, their second-worst record in Kerr’s 12 seasons as coach. The only worse season was in 2019-20 when Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant were sidelined for much of the time.
Kerr reflected on the contrasting seasons before the game. “The expectations were definitely higher this year compared to previous years. Back in 2019-20, we lost key players like Andre [Iguodala] and Kevin Durant. This season had its own buildup because of the anticipation around players like Jimmy [Butler] joining us. Losing two pivotal guys mid-season—it’s really tough and affected this year and likely will affect next year’s chances too.”
Turning Point of the Game
The Warriors, aiming to build chemistry with a lineup that hasn’t spent much time together, kept their main players on the court and faced a couple of injury scares, even if the game outcome wasn’t critical.
Following Curry’s ankle twist in a previous game, Podzemski sustained a knee to the thigh on his way to the basket and had to exit early but returned quickly, finishing with a team-best plus-16 points in 21 minutes.
During the match, Curry took a hard forearm from Benedict Mathurin while attempting to enter the paint. Curry fell and wasn’t pleased with the move, leading to a brief scuffle that resulted in technical fouls for Gary Payton II and Mathurin.
MVP of the Game
The headline for the Warriors was Curry’s return to form after a couple of quieter games. Although he didn’t quite match his 29-point performance from his first game back against the Rockets, he showcased a strong overall game.
Status of the Game
Players, including Bassey, Nate Williams, Malevi Lyons, Pat Spencer, Seth Curry, and Will Richard logged crucial minutes. Some of the less regular rotation players may also contribute come Wednesday, but if their minutes trend closer to Sunday’s performance, it’s going to be a tough road ahead.
Six players combined for a shocking minus-83 rating.
Looking Ahead
The Warriors’ playoff journey kicks off Wednesday.
They face the same opponent at the same venue, but the stakes are higher.
To advance, they need to defeat the Clippers in Inglewood and secure an elimination win on the road against the No. 7 Suns or No. 8 Blazers to earn the chance to play the defending champion Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
