Stephen Curry's impressive 35-point performance, including 27 points in the second half, propelled the Warriors to a stunning comeback win. Al Horford's clutch three-pointers in the fourth quarter also played a pivotal role in the team's 126-121 victory. The Warriors erased a 13-point deficit, finishing the game on a 16-6 run and holding Kawhi Leonard scoreless until the final 16 seconds. Despite a 37-45 regular season record and the loss of Jimmy Butler, the postseason-tested Warriors are one game away from another playoff berth.
They will face Phoenix on Friday, with the winner advancing to face the defending champion Oklahoma City in the first round. The Clippers, led by Bennedict Mathurin's 23 points and Kawhi Leonard's 21 points, missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Curry, who returned from a 27-game absence due to a knee injury just five games ago, scored 16 points in a six-minute span in the third quarter to keep the Warriors in contention. The 38-year-old's seventh three-pointer broke a tie with 50.4 seconds remaining, securing the win for Golden State.
The Warriors' victory sets up a matchup against Phoenix, while the Clippers' loss marks the end of their season.