The Warriors staged a thrilling comeback in the play-in tournament. On Wednesday, they faced the Los Angeles Clippers on the road. Trailing for most of the game, they relied on a late-game surge from beyond the arc to win 126-121, keeping their play-in hopes alive. Next, they will face the Phoenix Suns for the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Having finished the regular season as the 10th seed in the West, the Warriors were already in a do-or-die situation, needing at least two consecutive wins in the play-in tournament to advance. Facing the Clippers, led by Leonard and with a 3-1 head-to-head record this season, in their first game was a significant challenge.
The game started as expected. Playing at home, the Clippers had the upper hand, establishing an early lead. Although the Warriors briefly took the lead, the Clippers, led by Leonard and Garland, maintained an 8-point lead at halftime. To make matters worse, Curry was heavily restricted in the first half, shooting only 2-for-9 for just 8 points. He also had to return to the locker room for examination due to leg discomfort, clearly impacting his performance.
However, the second half saw a dramatic turn of events. Curry regained his touch in the third quarter, scoring 16 points to help his team stay close and lay the groundwork for a late-game comeback.
The game’s true turning point came in the fourth quarter with a surge from beyond the arc. Veteran Al Horford emerged as a surprise weapon, hitting all four of his three-point attempts in crucial moments, directly turning the tide and allowing the Warriors to take the lead in the final two minutes. This performance was completely unexpected and highlighted the value of experienced players in clutch situations.
The final stages of the game remained tense. The Clippers tied the game with two free throws from Lopez, but Curry stepped up again in the crucial moments—hitting a game-winning three-pointer with 50 seconds remaining, essentially sealing the victory. The Clippers attempted a comeback but failed to change the score, ultimately losing by 5 points and missing out on a fourth consecutive playoff appearance.
This game reveals that the Warriors’ problems persist, but their execution in crucial moments and the consistency of their veteran players remain their greatest strengths. If their outside shooting can maintain its hot streak, they are not without a chance against the Suns.
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