Curry and Horford Inspire Warriors’ Dramatic Play-In Win Over Clippers

Key Takeaways:

• Golden State mounted a 16-6 scoring run in the final minutes to secure a 126-121 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers
• Stephen Curry registered 27 of his 35 points in the second half, while Al Horford contributed four fourth-quarter 3-pointers
• The Warriors will travel to Phoenix on Friday for the next play-in game, targeting a place against Oklahoma City in the first round

Second-Half Surge Fuels Warriors’ Comeback

Stephen Curry powered Golden State’s comeback efforts by scoring 27 points after the break, bringing his total to 35 for the night. Curry’s seventh three-pointer, drained with 50.4 seconds left, broke a late tie as the Warriors erased a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit. This effort helped Golden State finish on a 16-6 run, holding Kawhi Leonard scoreless until the closing 16 seconds of the contest.

Al Horford, aged 39, played a crucial role during the fourth quarter, sinking four three-point shots that powered the Warriors’ charge. Kristaps Porzingis also added 20 points, while Gui Santos’ key layup with 2:45 remaining cut the Clippers’ lead to 115-114, and Horford’s fourth three-pointer soon gave Golden State the advantage at 117-115 with 2:12 to play.

Mama, there goes that man.@googlecloud || Player of the Game pic.twitter.com/NPzHd8vfqK

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 16, 2026

Clippers Fall Short Despite Early Lead

The Los Angeles Clippers, who had led 98-85 with 9:53 remaining, watched their season slip away in the closing minutes. Bennedict Mathurin paced the hosts with 23 points and Darius Garland contributed 21 points along with eight assists whilst coping with foul trouble. Kawhi Leonard led the team with 21 points, but was kept in check down the stretch.

Despite overcoming a tumultuous 6-21 start to post a 42-40 record and extending their streak to 15 consecutive winning seasons, the Clippers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Two late-season defeats has forced Los Angeles into the No. 9 seed, requiring them to win twice in the play-in for playoff qualification—a feat they failed to achieve.

Curry’s Return and Other Noteworthy Moments

Curry, recently back from a 27-game spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, produced a vintage burst during the third quarter, notching 16 points and hitting three three-pointers in a mere six-minute window to keep the Warriors in contention. Golden State, who concluded the regular season at 37-45, have matched post-season expectations thanks to the veteran core of Curry, Draymond Green and Horford.

The game also saw referee Ben Taylor depart with an injury after halftime, necessitating alternate referee Sean Corbin to take over officiating duties.

Road Ahead for Golden State

The Warriors will now travel to Phoenix for their next play-in clash on Friday. The victor from that contest advances to meet reigning champions Oklahoma City in the opening round of the NBA playoffs.