The Golden State Warriors secured a thrilling victory in a spectacular Play-In duel, keeping their NBA playoff aspirations alive thanks to their superstar duo.
The Warriors and Clippers engaged in another epic battle in this year’s NBA Play-In Tournament. In the end, Curry on offense and Green on defense turned back the clock.
Los Angeles Clippers (W9) 121 — Golden State Warriors (W10) 126
With the game tied at 117-117 and just a minute left on the clock, the Warriors executed a play they’ve perfected over the past decade. The ball found its way to Curry, a quick behind-the-back pass to Green, who immediately pitched it back to the ‘Chef’ — and he delivered another incredible three-pointer. A quick sidestep, and BANG! Brook Lopez’s desperate reach was in vain.
However, the game was far from over, and the Clippers had a chance to equalize on the ensuing possession. Bennedict Mathurin had no open man on the inbound, and the Warriors defended for their lives. Mathurin attempted to find Kawhi Leonard, but Green saw through the plan and intercepted the pass. Brandin Podziemski then completed a three-point play, extending the lead to six for the Dubs.
With 46 seconds remaining, there was still ample time for a comeback. But again, Green thwarted their plans with a defensive masterclass. As Kawhi began to drive towards the midrange for a quick jumper, Draymond ruthlessly stole the ball.
Draymond Made Kawhi’s Life a Living Hell — Curry Exploded After Halftime
Green had been making Leonard’s life difficult all game. The Clippers superstar finished the game with only 21 points (8/17 FG, 1/6 3FG) and 6 turnovers. For much of the final quarter, he was scoreless. He only managed to get on the scoreboard with a dunk 17 seconds before the end, by which time the Warriors were focused on preventing a three-pointer.
Darius Garland also scored 21 points and dished out 8 assists. L.A. was led by Mathurin, who contributed 23 points off the bench and had a hot hand from downtown (5/6 3FG). Lopez (17), Derrick Jones Jr. (13), and John Collins (11) all scored in double figures but collectively shot only three of 13 from three-point range.
Meanwhile, Curry lit it up for Golden State. The point guard, who had been sidelined with injuries for a long time, struggled in the first half (8 points, 2/9 FG), but he truly came alive after halftime. Curry finished with a cool 35 points (12/23 FG, 7/12 3FG).
Gui Santos and Kristaps Porzingis supported him with 20 points each, and Podziemski added 17 points. Draymond recorded a classic Draymond stat line with 7 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals.
Suns Await the Warriors — Clippers’ Season Ends
In the fourth quarter, another Warrior stepped into the spotlight and became an unexpected hero: Al Horford. «It was wonderful to see,» Curry raved about the veteran, who sank all four of his three-point attempts in the final period. Prior to that, Horford had missed his first three attempts from downtown and had only two points entering the final twelve minutes.
His performance boost in the closing stages was desperately needed. The Clippers had pulled ahead to a 98-85 lead with just 9:53 remaining on the clock. However, the Warriors, who had also conceded a 12-0 run early in the game, once again showed their resilience and finished the game with a 16-6 run.
«Seven or eight years ago, we’d already be on vacation,» Steve Kerr explained afterward. «We’re happy we still get to be in it.» The Warriors coach then sent special regards to the Commissioner: «I want to thank the league for creating the Play-In Tournament. Thank you, Adam!»
The grateful Warriors, who finished the regular season in tenth place in the Western Conference, still have a chance to reach the playoffs. In the early hours of Saturday morning, they face another do-or-die game against the Suns. Phoenix had lost their first game against the Blazers and an outstanding Deni Avdija.
For the Clippers, the season is now over. After a chaotic start and a 6-21 record, Tyronn Lue’s team put together an incredible comeback, securing their 15th consecutive winning season. For the first time since the 2021-2022 season, the playoffs will take place without them.