Warriors Edge Clippers in High-Stakes Play-In Game, 112-109

The Golden State Warriors edged the Los Angeles Clippers 112-109 in a tense Western Conference Play-In Tournament matchup on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, securing the No. 7 seed in the process. Stephen Curry led the way with 28 points on 10-of-19 shooting, including a clutch three-pointer in the final minute to seal the win. The victory sends the Warriors directly to the first round of the playoffs, while the Clippers must now face the winner of the 9v10 matchup on Friday.

Curry was the difference in a game that featured seven lead changes in the final 5 minutes. The 10-time All-Star shot 48.2% from the field and dished out six assists, showcasing his playoff pedigree once again. Kristaps Porzingis added 21 points and nine rebounds off the bench, providing the defensive length and inside presence the Warriors needed to counter the Clippers’ physicality.

The Clippers were paced by Darius Garland, who tallied 17 points and seven assists in his most impactful game of the season. Kawhi Leonard, who had been questionable with an ankle injury, scored 23 points in 28 minutes before leaving in the fourth quarter. His absence in crunch time proved costly as the Warriors capitalized with a 9-2 run over the final two minutes.

The game was a battle of adjustments. Golden State’s new-look rotation, anchored by Porzingis and Al Horford, held its own against the Clippers’ backcourt trio of Garland, Leonard, and Tyus Jones. The Warriors’ 49.1% field goal shooting was a key factor in their ability to keep pace with the home team’s 46.8% mark.

Defensively, the Warriors held the Clippers to just 10 points in the fourth quarter, a stark contrast to the 24 they allowed in the third. That defensive urgency was led by Horford, who recorded five blocks and a pair of steals in 20 minutes.

With the win, the Warriors improve to 47-35 on the season and will face the No. 2 seed in the first round of the playoffs. The Clippers, now 46-36, must regroup quickly after this setback. They will host the winner of the 9v10 matchup on Friday, a chance to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Next up for the Warriors is a first-round playoff series that tips off on Saturday, April 18. The team will look to carry the momentum from this gritty win into the next stage of the postseason.