Warriors erase late deficit to knock out Clippers in play-in
warriors-erase-late-deficit-play-in-clippers
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Stephen Curry poured in 35 points, including seven 3-pointers, and the Golden State Warriors erased a 13-point fourth-quarter hole to edge the LA Clippers 126-121 on Wednesday night, advancing in the NBA play-in tournament.
Curry scored 27 after halftime and drilled the go-ahead triple with 50.4 seconds remaining, capping a closing 16-6 burst for 10th-seeded Golden State. The Warriors, who finished the regular season 37-45, will travel to Phoenix on Friday; the winner secures the Western Conference’s No. 8 playoff spot and a first-round matchup with defending champion Oklahoma City.
Al Horford, 39, sank four 3-pointers in the final period, while Kristaps Porziņģis supplied 20 points. Golden State limited Kawhi Leonard to two late free throws in the quarter, holding the Clippers star scoreless until 16 seconds were left.
Clippers’ season ends despite strong start
Bennedict Mathurin led Los Angeles with 23 points, Leonard finished with 21, and Darius Garland had 21 points and eight assists before fouling out. The Clippers, 42-40 after a 6-21 opening stretch, missed the postseason for the first time since 2022 and only the third time during their run of 15 consecutive winning seasons—the league’s longest active streak.
Los Angeles appeared in control, up 98-85 with 9:53 to play, but Curry and Horford ignited Golden State’s rally. Gui Santos’ layup cut the gap to 115-114 with 2:45 left, and Horford’s fourth triple pushed the Warriors ahead 117-115 moments later. Curry’s deep shot then broke a 121-121 tie, and Golden State held on at the line.
Notes
- Curry returned five games ago after missing 27 contests with a knee injury.
- Referee Ben Taylor exited after halftime with an injury; alternate official Sean Corbin finished the game.
- Golden State lost guard Jimmy Butler III for the season in January because of a knee injury.
Source: ESPN
