The Golden State Warriors staged an incredible fourth-quarter comeback to overcome the Los Angeles Clippers 126-121, advancing in the NBA's play-in tournament. Stephen Curry, who scored 27 of his 35 points in the second half, hit a crucial 3-pointer to break a tie with just 50.4 seconds remaining. Al Horford also played a pivotal role, sinking four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.
The Warriors, led by Curry and Draymond Green, erased a 13-point deficit to claim victory. Kawhi Leonard, who scored 21 points for the Clippers, was held scoreless in the fourth quarter until the final 16 seconds. The Warriors will now face Phoenix on Friday, with the winner progressing to meet the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
The Clippers, meanwhile, missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Bennedict Mathurin led the Clippers with 23 points, and Darius Garland added 21 points and eight assists despite struggling with foul trouble. Curry, who returned from a 27-game absence just five games ago, delivered a vintage performance, scoring 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, fueled by Curry and Horford, proved decisive.
In another game, 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, as the 76ers moved into a first-round series against the Boston Celtics. Desmond Bane scored 34 points for the Magic, who will host Charlotte on Friday, with the winner earning the No.
8 seed in the East.