The latest high-stakes meeting between the LA Clippers and Golden State Warriors took place on April 15, 2026, during the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. Golden State entered the game as the No. 10 seed, while Los Angeles held the No. 9 position. Since it was an elimination game, both teams had little room for error.
Golden State produced a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Clippers 126-121 at the Intuit Dome. The Warriors trailed by 13 points late in the game, but experienced players Stephen Curry, Al Horford, and Draymond Green changed the contest at both ends. The result kept Golden State’s season alive and ended the Clippers’ playoff hopes. The final score and tournament implications were confirmed by the NBA’s official recap.
Quick Score Summary
| Team | Final Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | 126 | Won |
| LA Clippers | 121 | Lost |
| Venue | Intuit Dome | Inglewood, California |
| Date | April 15, 2026 | Play-In Tournament |
LA Clippers vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats
The la clippers vs golden state warriors match player stats show that Golden State received major contributions from several parts of its rotation. Stephen Curry led all scorers with 35 points, while Kristaps Porziņģis and Gui Santos added 20 points each. Al Horford scored 14 points from the bench, with every one of those points arriving during the closing minutes.
Los Angeles had four important scorers in the game. Bennedict Mathurin led the Clippers with 23 points off the bench, while Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland scored 21 each. Brook Lopez also reached double figures and provided valuable floor spacing. However, the Clippers could not generate enough efficient offense when Golden State increased its defensive pressure in the final period.
Golden State Warriors Player Stats
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Main Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | 35 | 1 | 4 | Seven three-pointers and 27 second-half points |
| Kristaps Porziņģis | 20 | 5 | 5 | Interior scoring, spacing and rim protection |
| Gui Santos | 20 | 6 | 5 | Efficient all-around production |
| Al Horford | 14 | — | — | Four decisive fourth-quarter three-pointers |
| Draymond Green | 7 | — | — | Late defense against Kawhi Leonard |
| Brandin Podziemski | 9 | — | — | Ball movement and supporting offense |
Stephen Curry Led the Comeback
Stephen Curry remained the central figure in Golden State’s attack. He finished with 35 points in just under 36 minutes, shooting 12-of-23 from the field and 7-of-12 from three-point range. Although he scored only eight points before halftime, Curry found his rhythm after the break and recorded 27 second-half points.
Curry’s movement without the ball forced the Clippers to defend every section of the court. When Los Angeles sent extra pressure toward him, he created openings for Porziņģis, Santos, and Horford. He also delivered one of the game’s defining shots, hitting a late three-pointer as Golden State completed its comeback. His performance was especially notable because he had recently returned from a lengthy knee-related absence.
Al Horford Changed the Fourth Quarter
Al Horford did not score during the first three quarters, yet he became one of the most important players in the game. The veteran center scored all 14 of his points over the final 5:37. Most importantly, he knocked down four three-pointers during Golden State’s decisive closing run.
Horford’s shooting created a difficult choice for the Clippers. Leaving him open allowed Golden State to collect three points, but closing out aggressively gave Curry and other ball handlers more space. His four late three-pointers helped the Warriors turn a double-digit deficit into a lead. According to the game report from Reuters, the Warriors closed the contest on a 27-13 run.
Kristaps Porziņģis Provided Balance
Kristaps Porziņģis gave Golden State a reliable inside-out scoring option. He recorded 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting and made three shots from beyond the arc. His size also helped the Warriors secure second-chance opportunities and challenge shots near the basket.
Porziņģis was more than a scorer. His five assists showed how effectively he moved the ball when the Clippers sent defensive help toward him. He also worked well with Curry in screening actions. Because Porziņģis could roll toward the rim or move behind the three-point line, Los Angeles struggled to cover both players with only two defenders.
Gui Santos Delivered an Important Performance
Gui Santos produced one of the strongest all-around performances of his season. He finished with 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists, providing Golden State with energy and offensive support. His ability to attack closeouts prevented the Clippers from focusing all their attention on Curry.
Santos also made intelligent decisions in the fourth quarter. He assisted Horford on consecutive three-pointers as the Warriors reduced the Clippers’ lead. Those plays demonstrated his awareness because he did not force difficult attempts. Instead, he recognized that Horford had found his shooting rhythm and continued supplying him with clean looks.
Draymond Green’s Defensive Impact
Draymond Green scored only seven points, but the box score does not fully explain his influence. Golden State assigned him to Kawhi Leonard during important late possessions. Green used his strength, anticipation, and positioning to prevent Leonard from reaching his preferred shooting areas.
Leonard scored just two points in the fourth quarter after producing 19 through the first three periods. Green also recorded two crucial late steals, helping the Warriors turn defensive stops into attacking opportunities. His communication allowed Golden State to switch screens and recover to shooters without losing its structure.
LA Clippers Player Stats
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Main Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bennedict Mathurin | 23 | — | — | Led the team from the bench |
| Kawhi Leonard | 21 | — | — | Strong first three quarters |
| Darius Garland | 21 | — | — | Scoring and playmaking |
| Brook Lopez | 14 | — | — | Perimeter shooting and interior defense |
| Kris Dunn | 10 | — | Team leader | Defensive pressure and ball distribution |
| John Collins | 10 | — | — | Frontcourt scoring and rebounding |
Bennedict Mathurin Led the Clippers
Bennedict Mathurin supplied 23 points off the bench and finished as the Clippers’ leading scorer. He attacked the basket with confidence, drew fouls, and gave Los Angeles an athletic scoring option against Golden State’s second unit. His driving layup in the fourth quarter briefly helped the Clippers protect their advantage.
Mathurin’s production was important because the Clippers needed another scorer alongside Leonard and Garland. He also contributed as a passer, finding Brook Lopez for a late three-pointer. However, his strong individual performance could not prevent Golden State from taking control during the final four minutes.
Kawhi Leonard Was Contained Late
Kawhi Leonard finished with 21 points and helped Los Angeles build its second-half lead. He scored from mid-range, made a three-pointer, and attacked favorable matchups. Through three quarters, his controlled offensive approach was one of the main reasons the Clippers appeared likely to advance.
The game changed when Green became more aggressive against him. Leonard struggled to create separation and managed only two fourth-quarter points. Golden State also crowded his driving lanes, forcing him to give up the ball or attempt shots from less comfortable positions. In an elimination game, that late reduction in production proved costly.
Darius Garland Added Scoring and Playmaking
Darius Garland matched Leonard with 21 points. He used his speed to enter the paint and also created opportunities for teammates through pick-and-roll actions. One of his best fourth-quarter plays was a driving basket that produced an additional free throw, pushing the Clippers ahead 103-97.
However, Golden State’s defense became more physical as the game approached its conclusion. Garland faced traps and switches that reduced his space. The Clippers needed him to create a clean late-game shot, but the Warriors prevented their guards from consistently turning the corner.
Team Shooting Comparison
| Team | Field Goals | Three-Pointers | Free Throws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | 47-of-83 | 19-of-41 | 13-of-21 |
| LA Clippers | 45-of-86 | 15-of-33 | 16-of-20 |
Three-Point Shooting Made the Difference
The biggest statistical difference was Golden State’s perimeter shooting. The Warriors made 19 three-pointers, setting a Play-In Tournament record at the time. Curry accounted for seven, while Horford hit four during his extraordinary late run. Porziņģis also made three, which pulled the Clippers’ interior defenders away from the basket.
Los Angeles actually shot a better percentage from the free-throw line and stayed efficient from the field. Still, Golden State created six more points through the difference in made three-pointers. In a game decided by five points, that advantage was critical. The la clippers vs golden state warriors match player stats clearly underline the importance of long-range efficiency.
How Golden State Completed the Comeback
The Clippers led 108-95 during the fourth quarter and appeared to have control. Golden State then improved its defensive activity, protected the paint more effectively, and forced the ball away from Leonard. The Warriors converted those stops into quicker offensive possessions rather than allowing Los Angeles to reset its defense.
Horford’s shooting transformed the game. He made four three-pointers in approximately three minutes, while Curry continued drawing multiple defenders. Golden State finally moved ahead during the closing stretch and then protected the lead through organized defense and patient offensive execution.
Why the Clippers Lost
Los Angeles did many things well for most of the night. The Clippers moved the ball, received 23 bench points from Mathurin, and built a 13-point fourth-quarter advantage. Their main problem was closing the game. The offense became slower and more predictable just as Golden State increased its pressure.
The Clippers also failed to adjust quickly enough to Horford’s hot shooting. Several defensive possessions left him with enough room to take comfortable three-pointers. Meanwhile, Leonard could not overcome Green’s physical defense. Los Angeles scored only 13 points during Golden State’s final 27-point surge, turning a strong overall effort into a season-ending defeat.
Important Statistical Takeaways
The la clippers vs golden state warriors match player stats reveal that Golden State’s victory was not based on Curry alone. Curry was the leading scorer, but Santos and Porziņģis combined for 40 points. Horford added 14 late points, while Green delivered the most important defensive work of the evening.
For the Clippers, three players scored at least 21 points, yet none took complete control in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles had balanced production, but Golden State produced the game’s most decisive individual stretches. Curry dominated after halftime, Horford controlled the closing minutes from three-point range, and Green limited Leonard when every possession carried extra weight.
What the Result Meant
The victory allowed the Warriors to advance to another Play-In Tournament game, where they faced the Phoenix Suns for the Western Conference’s eighth and final playoff seed. Golden State’s run eventually ended with a 111-96 loss to Phoenix, but the comeback against the Clippers became one of the team’s most memorable performances of the season.
For Los Angeles, the defeat ended a campaign in which the team had recovered from a difficult start to finish 42-40. The Clippers had beaten Golden State three days earlier and owned home-court advantage in the rematch. Nevertheless, their inability to close the elimination game prevented them from extending their season.
Final Analysis
The la clippers vs golden state warriors match player stats tell the story of a game decided by experience, three-point shooting, and late defensive execution. Curry carried the scoring load with 35 points, Porziņģis and Santos supplied 20 each, and Horford delivered one of the most unexpected fourth-quarter performances of the Play-In Tournament.
Los Angeles received strong production from Mathurin, Leonard, and Garland, but its attack slowed at the worst possible moment. Golden State stayed composed despite trailing by 13 and trusted its veteran players. That combination helped the Warriors complete a 126-121 comeback and eliminate their Pacific Division rival.
FAQs
Who won the latest Clippers vs Warriors match?
The Golden State Warriors defeated the LA Clippers 126-121 on April 15, 2026, in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament.
Who scored the most points in the game?
Stephen Curry led all players with 35 points. He scored 27 points in the second half and made seven three-pointers.
Who was the Clippers’ leading scorer?
Bennedict Mathurin led Los Angeles with 23 points off the bench. Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland added 21 points each.
How many three-pointers did Golden State make?
The Warriors made 19 three-pointers on 41 attempts. Curry made seven, while Al Horford hit four during the fourth quarter.
Why did the Clippers lose the game?
The Clippers lost because their offense slowed late, Leonard was held to two fourth-quarter points, and Golden State closed the contest with a powerful 27-13 run.