The Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors are set for a high-stakes showdown in the NBA Play-In Tournament…Yankee Scores reports.
Clippers Clinch No. 9 Seed
On Sunday night, the Clippers edged the Warriors 115-110, securing the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference. The victory sets up a rematch with Golden State in the play-in tourney, where the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Despite beginning the season with a rough 6-21 record, the Clippers rallied to finish 42-40, extending their franchise-record streak of 15 straight seasons above .500. That run is now the longest active in the NBA and ranks fourth in league history.
Bench Power Leads the Way
The Clippers’ depth proved decisive. Bennedict Mathurin came off the bench with 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, while Bogdan Bogdanovic added 17 points, drilling five three-pointers — three of them in a row during the fourth quarter. John Collins chipped in 18 points and nine boards, as six Clippers finished in double figures.
Their bench outscored Golden State’s reserves 71-56, a margin that ultimately swung the game.
Warriors Struggle Despite Curry’s Return
Stephen Curry, returning from a right knee injury that sidelined him for 27 games, scored 24 points in just 29 minutes, hitting 4 of 9 from deep. However, the Warriors couldn’t keep pace late, managing only one three-pointer in the fourth quarter compared to the Clippers’ five.
Draymond Green sat out with a back issue, leaving Golden State vulnerable defensively.
What’s Next
The Clippers will host the Warriors on Wednesday in Los Angeles. History favors the Clippers, who have won 11 of their last 12 home games against Golden State, including nine straight. The Warriors haven’t beaten the Clippers on the road since November 28, 2021.
With Portland claiming the No. 8 seed after beating Sacramento, the Clippers and Warriors now face a win-or-go-home scenario. The drama is set, and fans can expect fireworks when these rivals meet again.
