Clippers Beat Warriors in Final Game, Set for Rematch in Play-In Tournament
Clippers Edge Warriors in Thrilling Play-In Tournament Preview
Benedict Mathurin delivered a standout performance with 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists off the bench, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 115-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. This matchup served as a preview for the upcoming play-in tournament.
With this win, the Clippers secured the No. 9 seed and are set to host the 10th-seeded Warriors on Wednesday. The Clippers finished the season alongside the Portland Trail Blazers with a 42-40 record. However, Portland claimed the eighth seed after defeating Sacramento 122-110, winning the tiebreaker due to a superior record within the Western Conference.
The Clippers entered the season with a challenging start, registering a 6-21 record. Nevertheless, they managed to clinch a franchise-record 15 consecutive seasons with a winning record, the longest current stretch in the NBA and the fourth-longest in league history.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 24 points, shooting four for nine from beyond the arc. However, he played only 29 minutes, having recently returned from a right knee injury that sidelined him for 27 games earlier in the season. The Warriors concluded the season with a 37-45 record.
The Clippers’ bench was instrumental in the win, outscoring their Warriors counterparts 71-56. Alongside Mathurin, Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 17 points and matched his season high with five three-pointers, including three consecutive shots in the fourth quarter. John Collins added 18 points and nine rebounds, with a total of six Clippers reaching double figures in scoring.
Kawhi Leonard was rested due to ankle and wrist injuries, while the Warriors were without Draymond Green, who is dealing with a back issue. In the decisive fourth quarter, the Clippers connected on five three-pointers compared to just one for the Warriors. Despite the Warriors tying the score five times in the third quarter, the Clippers entered the final period with an 83-81 lead.
