Clippers collapse or Curry magic? How Warriors pulled off stunning comeback win

For most of the night, the Los Angeles Clippers were in control of the NBA Play-In game against the Golden State Warriors. They dictated the pace, built a comfortable lead, and with only minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, they were up 13 points in a win-or-go-home game. And then, everything changed.

How the Clippers blew a 13-point lead to lose to Warriors and miss NBA Playoffs

The Warriors stormed back to win 126–121, closing the game with a surge that flipped the entire night and left the Clippers searching for answers. What had been a composed, controlled performance suddenly turned into one of the most dramatic collapses of the play-in tournament.

The turning point came late in the fourth quarter, when Golden State began to chip away at the deficit with urgency and precision. Stephen Curry, quiet by his standards early in the game, found his rhythm at exactly the right time. He finished with 35 points, including a dominant second half that completely altered the momentum. Each possession began to feel heavier for the Clippers, while the Warriors played with increasing confidence.

At the same time, Al Horford delivered one of the most unexpected stretches of the night. The veteran forward knocked down four three-pointers in the closing minutes, stretching the floor and punishing defensive lapses. His shot-making added more pressure, forcing the Clippers to defend deeper into possessions and making it nearly impossible to regain control.

As Golden State surged, Los Angeles began to unravel. Offensively, the ball stopped moving with the same fluidity that it had in earlier in the game. Possessions became more stagnant, often ending in contested looks late in the shot clock. Defensively, the cracks widened. Curry found space beyond the arc, rotations came a step too slow, and transition defense faltered at the worst possible time.

Even with strong contributions from Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers could not steady themselves once the momentum shifted. The Warriors, by contrast, looked completely at ease in the chaos. Their experience showed in the way they executed late, trusting their spacing, their shot selection, and their ability to deliver under pressure.

Curry’s late three-pointer to break the tie in the final minute seemed almost inevitable. It’s the kind of moment that has defined his career. From there, the Warriors closed with the composure of a team that has clearly been in these situations many times before.

In the end, was this a Clippers collapse or a Warriors masterpiece? The answer lies somewhere in between. The Clippers had the game within their grasp and let it slip away, unable to execute when it mattered most. But the Warriors forced the issue, applying pressure possession after possession until the outcome changed.

With everything on the line, one team tightened its grip, and the other lost it. And ultimately, that is what decided the night.

Related stories

NBA

Green Curry helps fuel Warriors escape

NBA

The NBA Play-in tournament: Win or go home

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.