Warriors Stun Clippers with Thrilling Comeback Victory

The Golden State Warriors staged an incredible comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 126-121, advancing in the NBA's play-in tournament. Stephen Curry scored 27 of his 35 points in the second half, while Al Horford hit four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to seal the win. The Warriors erased a 13-point deficit in the final quarter, finishing on a 16-6 run. Kawhi Leonard was held scoreless by the Warriors until the final 16 seconds. The win sets up a matchup against Phoenix on Friday, with the victor moving on to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. The Clippers were led by Bennedict Mathurin's 23 points and Darius Garland's 21 points and eight assists. Curry's performance was all the more impressive given his recent return from a 27-game absence due to a knee injury. The 38-year-old scored 16 points in a six-minute span in the third quarter to keep the Warriors in contention. The Clippers had led 98-85 with 9:53 to play, but the Warriors' furious comeback, aided by Kristaps Porzingis' 20 points, proved too much for them. In other NBA news, the Philadelphia 76ers secured the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a 109-97 win over the Orlando Magic, despite the absence of Joel Embiid. Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points, and V.J. Edgecombe added 19 points and 11 rebounds. The 76ers will face the Boston Celtics in the first round, starting on Sunday. Desmond Bane and the Magic will host Charlotte on Friday night, with the winner earning the No. 8 seed in the East and a first-round matchup with Detroit.