In a thrilling contest that came down to the wire, the Los Angeles Clippers held off the Golden State Warriors 102-99 on Monday night, securing their fifth consecutive home win.
Norman Powell was the catalyst for the Clippers’ victory, scoring 23 points, while James Harden made a significant impact with 12 points and 16 assists. Ivica Zubac was a force on the boards, grabbing 17 rebounds to help the Clippers fend off a late push from the Warriors.
Despite trailing for much of the game, the Warriors fought valiantly in the final minutes to keep the pressure on Los Angeles. Stephen Curry, who had been battling knee discomfort, led Golden State with 26 points. Andrew Wiggins added 22 points, but it wasn’t enough to extend their three-game winning streak. With the game on the line, Curry missed a potential game-tying three-pointer in the closing seconds, and Gary Payton II also failed to convert on the Warriors’ final shot attempt, sealing the win for the Clippers.
Clippers Get Key Bench Contributions
One of the major factors in the Clippers’ win was their bench production. With three of their starters held to single-digit scoring, the second unit stepped up, outscoring Golden State’s reserves 45-28. Powell, who briefly left the game in the first half due to left hamstring soreness, returned in the second half and knocked down three crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter. His timely shooting helped the Clippers maintain their lead and fend off Golden State’s late-game rally.
The Clippers’ ability to rely on their bench is a good sign as they continue to build team chemistry. In a season that has already seen its fair share of struggles and injuries, having role players step up is a critical part of their success. Powell’s performance was especially valuable, as his scoring burst in the fourth quarter kept the Clippers ahead when the Warriors were closing in.
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Warriors Fight Back but Fall Short
Golden State, who had been on a hot streak entering the game, showed their resilience despite missing key shots in the final minutes. Curry, who was listed as questionable due to left knee bursitis, struggled in the first half, scoring just eight points and going 2-for-7 from beyond the arc. However, he bounced back in the third quarter, hitting three of the Warriors’ six three-pointers in the period. Going into the fourth, the Warriors trailed by just three points, but they couldn’t quite close the gap.
Wiggins, who was solid all night, chipped in 22 points, but the Warriors’ shooting woes from beyond the arc ultimately did them in. Golden State finished the game shooting just 36% from three-point range, with Curry connecting on 6 of 15 attempts. While the Warriors were able to create some chances in the closing minutes, they couldn’t capitalize on those opportunities, allowing the Clippers to hold on for the win.
Curry’s Struggles, Warriors’ Missed Opportunities
Coach Steve Kerr had mentioned pre-game that Curry’s inclusion on the injury report was somewhat of a surprise, citing “protocol” for his knee issue. While Curry played through the discomfort, his shooting efficiency was far from his usual standard. After a cold first half, where he made just 2 of 7 from three-point range, Curry found some rhythm in the third quarter, but it wasn’t enough to push Golden State over the top.
In addition to Curry’s missed shots late in the game, the Warriors also failed to take advantage of a couple of key opportunities. With the game in the balance, Payton missed a contested three-pointer that could have given the Warriors a chance to tie the game. Despite those missed chances, Golden State’s ability to fight back showed that their heart and determination are still very much intact.
Clippers’ Defense and Zubac’s Dominance in the Paint
While the Clippers were offensively efficient, it was their defense that helped them seal the win. Zubac’s presence in the paint was crucial, as he controlled the boards with 17 rebounds and added 8 points. His rebounding helped Los Angeles limit the Warriors’ second-chance opportunities and maintain possession, which was vital in a game that saw multiple momentum shifts.
The Clippers’ defense was particularly effective in limiting Golden State’s three-point shooting. Golden State, typically one of the league’s most dangerous three-point shooting teams, shot just 36% from beyond the arc in this contest, with Curry struggling to find his usual rhythm. The Clippers were able to contest shots effectively, forcing the Warriors into difficult looks from long range.
The Key Moment: Powell’s Three-Pointers in the Fourth Quarter
With the game hanging in the balance in the final quarter, Powell’s shooting was the key to keeping the Warriors at bay. After returning from his injury scare, Powell hit three crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter to extend the Clippers’ lead. His shooting came at a time when the Warriors were closing the gap, and his clutch buckets ensured that the Clippers maintained the advantage.
Powell’s ability to step up in the clutch was a critical factor in the Clippers’ win. His scoring burst provided the necessary cushion to withstand the Warriors’ late-game push, allowing Los Angeles to snap a brief cold streak in their offensive production.
Clippers’ Bench Play Critical to Success
The depth of the Clippers was on full display in this win. With starters like Leonard and George held to modest scoring outputs, the second unit stepped up in a big way. While Powell’s performance was the most notable, the bench as a whole outscored Golden State’s reserves by 17 points. This is a promising sign for the Clippers moving forward, as bench depth is often a determining factor in close games, especially when starters are not at their best.
James Harden also contributed to the victory in his playmaking role, finishing with 12 points and 16 assists. While his scoring wasn’t explosive, his ability to set up teammates and keep the offense flowing was key, particularly as the Clippers were on the second night of a back-to-back.
Warriors’ Missed Opportunities and Injury Concerns
For the Warriors, this loss marks the end of their three-game win streak and raises concerns about their ability to execute under pressure. Curry’s knee injury will be something to monitor, as his struggles in the first half may have been related to the discomfort he is experiencing. The Warriors will need their MVP candidate to be fully healthy if they hope to continue competing at the highest level.
Additionally, Golden State’s failure to close out the game will no doubt be a point of frustration. Despite several chances to tie or take the lead, they couldn’t capitalize on key moments, from Curry’s missed three-pointer to Payton’s failed attempt in the final seconds.
Key Stat: Clippers’ Bench Outplays Warriors’ Reserves
The bench play was one of the most critical factors in this game. The Clippers’ bench outscored Golden State’s reserves 45-28, and it was clear that Los Angeles’ depth gave them an edge in this tightly contested matchup. Powell, in particular, stepped up with his scoring outburst, proving once again the importance of a strong second unit in the NBA.
Up Next: Warriors Host Atlanta, Clippers Host Orlando
Looking ahead, the Warriors will return home to face the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, while the Clippers will host the Orlando Magic. Both teams will be looking to bounce back from this tightly contested game, with Golden State hoping to recover from their loss and the Clippers looking to extend their winning streak at home.
Conclusion: A Hard-Fought Victory for the Clippers
In the end, the Clippers held on to secure a 102-99 victory, thanks to a balanced team effort, timely shooting from Powell, and a solid defensive performance. While the Warriors made a late push, they were unable to complete the comeback, with Curry and Payton missing key shots in the final moments. The win extends the Clippers’ home streak and gives them momentum heading into their next matchup.
