ENGLEWOOD — It was somewhat surprising that neither the Warriors nor the Clippers anticipated finding themselves in the last-place play-in game at the Intuit Dome.
Despite facing a season riddled with injuries, the Warriors managed to seize an opportunity for a playoff spot, a scenario that seemed unlikely. In contrast, the Clippers, who stumbled out of the gate with a 6-21 record and off-court distractions, concluded their season with a 126-121 defeat against Golden State.
Both teams were aware that their chances of advancing were slim, but that prospect of engaging in meaningful postseason action was something Stephen Curry was keen to embrace following a lengthy knee injury absence.
Making the most of the situation, Curry tallied 35 points in just 36 minutes. Kristaps Porzingis and Guy Santos contributed 20 points each, while the Warriors managed to limit Kawhi Leonard to 21 points over 40 minutes.
The Clippers’ backcourt duo of Darius Garland and Benedict Mathurin combined for 44 points (Mathurin leading with 23 points, of which 15 came in the second half), but they found themselves down by double digits heading into the fourth quarter, with the Warriors’ experience shining through.
Al Horford’s timely threes helped the Warriors weather their 20 turnovers while the Clippers added 35 points, including seven from free throws. Illegal screens that nullified further potential points frustrated coach Steve Kerr, resulting in a technical foul on Draymond Green.
Green’s forced turnovers against Leonard were pivotal in the closing moments as the Warriors secured their largest lead after spending much of the game in a deficit.
The Clippers once held a 13-point lead with about 9:35 left, but that vanished when Horford’s fourth three-pointer granted Golden State a 117-115 advantage—their first lead since the second quarter.
What It Means
The game ultimately hinged on which team boasted the stronger superstar duo.
Curry and Porzingis outshone Leonard and Garland. The victory marked the Warriors’ first road win against the Clippers since November 28, 2021, snapping a frustrating nine-game losing streak against this opponent.
Turning Point
Garland ignited the Clippers with eight points in the first quarter, pushing them to an early 12-2 lead. Although Los Angeles extended it to 13 points, the Warriors, patient as ever, awaited their offensive explosion.
That eruption began midway through the third quarter.
Curry, held to only 8 points in the first half and making just 2 of 9 shots, ignited with 16 points during the third. Notably, he converted a deep four-point play off a handoff from Green, exploiting the defense with remarkable skill.
Curry revitalized hope for the Warriors.
Horford then sealed the game with his key shots.
MVP: Stephen Curry
Curry was undeniably a force in critical moments.
Along with his 16 third-quarter points, he netted another 12 in the fourth, finishing with a commendable 26 by halftime.
Match Result: 21-13
The Warriors’ three-point shooting reflected stark contrasts between the halves.
They only managed 30% in the first half, making 6 out of 20 attempts. However, they transformed their game in the second half, successfully hitting 13 of 21 from beyond the arc.
To The Next
The Clippers’ season comes to a close, underscoring one of the most dramatic turnarounds in NBA history. Meanwhile, the Warriors advance to meet the Suns on Friday night, gearing up to face the defending champion Thunder as the No. 8 seed in the playoffs.
