Kawhi Leonard’s 24 Points, Steve Kerr’s Ejection, and Steph Curry’s Foul Trouble: A Thrilling Clippers Victory

Clippers Edge Warriors in Tightly Contested Match

In a thrilling showdown on Monday night, the Los Angeles Clippers narrowly defeated the Golden State Warriors 103-102. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while rookie Kobe Sanders contributed 20 points in a game marked by intense moments, including the ejection of Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and a rare foul-out for star player Steph Curry.

Kerr’s ejection occurred with 7:57 left in the game after he vocally contested a no-call on a potential goaltending violation involving the Clippers’ John Collins. The coach had to be restrained by his assistants as he pursued the referees along the sideline.

Curry managed to score 27 points but struggled with his shooting, finishing four for 15 from three-point range and nine for 23 overall. His night ended with 42 seconds left when he fouled out, marking his first disqualification since December 17, 2021, against Boston.

James Harden was a late scratch for the Clippers due to right shoulder soreness, yet all five of their starters reached double figures. Sanders achieved a career-high with his 20 points. Collins added 18 points, Kris Dunn scored 16, and Ivica Zubac recorded 11 rebounds.

Jimmy Butler led the Warriors’ scoring with 24 points, but despite his efforts, the team fell to the Clippers for the eighth consecutive time while playing on the road.

The final minutes were intense, with Curry fouling Dunn when the Warriors were trailing by just one point, 101-100. Dunn converted both free throws, but Draymond Green soon answered with a basket to keep Golden State within reach. Leonard missed a crucial jumper, giving the Warriors a chance, but Butler’s last shot attempt hit short as the clock expired.

Both teams struggled from beyond the arc; the Clippers made 10 of 29 attempts, while the Warriors were significantly less effective, shooting 10 for 41.

The match had a playoff-like atmosphere, enhanced by the presence of rapper Snoop Dogg, who provided commentary for the game streamed on Peacock. The matchup featured the NBA’s two oldest teams, with the Clippers averaging an age of 30.0 compared to the Warriors’ 29.6.

In a concerning moment for Golden State, Green collided with his team’s bench while diving for a loose ball late in the first half. Despite sustaining a rib contusion, he remained in the game and recorded 12 assists, although he failed to convert on six three-point attempts.