Key Takeaways:
- Kawhi Leonard delivered 24 points and 12 rebounds as the Clippers narrowly defeated the Warriors 103-102
- Steve Kerr was ejected with 7:57 left after protesting a goaltending non-call, while Steph Curry was fouled out with 42 seconds to play
- The Warriors will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday as they commence an eight-game homestand
Match Analysis
In a fiercely contested encounter at Inglewood, the Los Angeles Clippers edged the Golden State Warriors 103-102 in a match full of drama and momentum shifts. Kawhi Leonard set the tone with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while rookie Kobe Sanders contributed a career-high 20 points, helping the Clippers overcome the late absence of James Harden due to right shoulder soreness. Despite both sides struggling from beyond the arc, the game went down to the wire as tension ran high in the closing moments.
fo' shizzle 😁 pic.twitter.com/6zCRUi47Iw
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 6, 2026
Turning Points: Kerr’s Ejection and Curry’s Foul Trouble
The atmosphere grew heated in the fourth quarter when Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was ejected with 7:57 remaining, after vociferously contesting an uncalled goaltending on the Clippers’ John Collins. Kerr’s protestations led to his removal after being restrained by his assistants.
Meanwhile, Steph Curry, who registered 27 points on 9-for-23 shooting (including 4-for-15 from 3-point range), fouled out for the first time since 17 December 2021 at Boston, departing with 42 seconds left. His departure followed a pair of back-to-back three-pointers that had kept the Warriors within striking distance.
Key Moments in the Closing Stages
With only 42 seconds on the clock and the Warriors trailing 101-100, Curry fouled Kris Dunn, who calmly converted both free throws. Draymond Green responded with a driving score, reducing the deficit to a single point. Leonard missed a jumper on the Clippers’ next possession, providing Golden State a final chance, but Jimmy Butler’s 16-foot attempt missed as time expired.
Player Contributions
The Clippers received double-digit scoring from all five starters, with John Collins posting 18 points, Kris Dunn adding 16, and Ivica Zubac collecting 11 rebounds. Sanders’ 20-point performance marked his career best. On the other side, Jimmy Butler led the Warriors’ supporting cast with 24 points, while Draymond Green, playing through a rib contusion sustained after crashing into his own bench, tallied 12 assists despite missing all six of his 3-point attempts.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawhi Leonard | Clippers | 24 | 12 | 5 |
| Kobe Sanders | Clippers | 20 | 7 | 3 |
| John Collins | Clippers | 18 | 4 | 1 |
| Steph Curry | Warriors | 27 | 4 | 6 |
| Jimmy Butler | Warriors | 24 | 6 | 2 |
| Draymond Green | Warriors | 6 | 5 | 12 |
Shooting Struggles and Statistical Overview
Both teams found it difficult to convert from long range, with the Clippers finishing 10 of 29 from three-point territory and the Warriors 10 of 41. The Clippers ultimately held on to secure their eighth consecutive home victory over the Warriors.
Notably, the average age of the Clippers’ roster stands at 30.0, while the Warriors’ average age is 29.6, highlighting their status as two of the league’s most experienced squads. The game also featured a unique entertainment aspect, with Snoop Dogg providing commentary for a live Peacock stream.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, the Warriors will kick off an eight-game homestand by hosting the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. The Clippers, conversely, will face the New York Knicks on the road as they begin a three-game Eastern Conference trip.
