Stephen Curry Ignites Warriors' Comeback to Secure Play-In Victory
In a thrilling NBA play-in tournament clash, the Golden State Warriors orchestrated a dramatic comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 126-121 on Wednesday night, with Stephen Curry delivering a masterclass performance. Curry, the Warriors' star guard, scored 27 of his game-high 35 points in the second half, including a crucial three-pointer in the final minute that broke a tie and sealed the win.
Curry's Dominant Second Half Fuels Rally
After trailing by as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter, the Warriors mounted a furious rally, closing the game on a 16-6 run. Curry, who recently returned from a knee injury that sidelined him for 27 games, was instrumental in the surge. He erupted for 16 points in a six-minute stretch during the third quarter, keeping Golden State within striking distance. His seventh three-pointer of the night, with just 50.4 seconds remaining, gave the Warriors a lead they would not relinquish.
Key Contributions from Veterans and Defense
Veteran center Al Horford played a pivotal role, adding four three-pointers, including key baskets in the fourth quarter. His fourth triple gave Golden State a 117-115 lead with just over two minutes left. The Warriors also tightened their defense late, holding Clippers star Kawhi Leonard scoreless in the fourth quarter until the final 16 seconds. Kristaps Porzingis contributed 20 points, while Gui Santos' layup cut the deficit to one point before Horford's clutch shooting.
Playoff Implications and Next Matchup
With this win, the 10th-seeded Warriors, who finished the regular season with a 37-45 record, moved within one victory of a playoff berth. They will face the Phoenix Suns on Friday, with the winner advancing to meet defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. Despite losing Jimmy Butler to a season-ending injury in January, Golden State's battle-tested core, including Draymond Green, showcased their resilience.
Clippers' Playoff Hopes Dashed
For the Clippers, who finished the season 42-40, the loss marked the end of their playoff hopes, missing the postseason for the first time since 2022. Bennedict Mathurin led Los Angeles with 23 points, while Darius Garland added 21 points and eight assists. Kawhi Leonard finished with 21 points, but his late-game struggles proved costly. The Clippers dropped to the No. 9 seed after late losses to Portland, forcing them into a tougher play-in path.
Other Play-In Tournament Action
In other NBA play-in tournament news, the Philadelphia 76ers secured the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 109-97 win over the Orlando Magic. Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points, and V.J. Edgecombe added 19 points and 11 rebounds as the Sixers overcame the absence of Joel Embiid. Philadelphia will open its first-round series on Sunday against the Boston Celtics.
Orlando will get another chance to qualify, hosting the Charlotte Hornets on Friday for the No. 8 seed and a matchup against the Detroit Pistons. The Hornets advanced after a narrow 127-126 victory over the Miami Heat, highlighted by Miles Bridges' game-saving block on Davion Mitchell at the buzzer. Charlotte's LaMelo Ball is expected to play despite being fined $35,000 for a tripping incident involving Bam Adebayo that led to the Miami forward's injury.
