NBA Play-In Tournament 2026 | April 15, 2026 · Western Conference | Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA · 7:00 PM PDT
Clippers vs Warriors delivered one of the most emotionally charged matchups of the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament, as two of the game’s greatest veterans – Kawhi Leonard and Stephen Curry – squared off in a win-or-go-home Western Conference battle at Intuit Dome in Inglewood. For Golden State, it was a chance at redemption after a 115-110 regular-season loss to Los Angeles just days earlier. For the Clippers, it was an opportunity to cement a historic turnaround season and punch their playoff ticket. Only one team could move forward – and the night did not go Golden State’s way. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM PDT
How Did Clippers vs Warriors End Up in the Play-In?
The road to tonight’s Clippers vs Warriors showdown was built on contrasting fortunes. The Los Angeles Clippers made NBA history this season, becoming the first team ever to finish above .500 after being as many as 15 games below .500 in the same season – securing their 15th consecutive winning season in the process. They entered the Play-In as the No. 9 seed with a 42-40 record.
Golden State, meanwhile, limped into the postseason picture. The Warriors finished 37-45 as the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, battling through a brutal injury-plagued campaign. Stephen Curry missed 27 games with a runner’s knee injury and only returned for four games before tonight’s elimination clash, averaging 20.8 points in just 26.8 minutes per game since his comeback.
Key Players Who Shaped Clippers vs Warriors
The Clippers vs Warriors narrative was always going to be defined by star power, and it did not disappoint. For Los Angeles, Kawhi Leonard was the dominant force. Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game this season on a career-best 62.9 true shooting percentage – placing him in elite company alongside Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic as one of just three players to shoot above 60% true shooting. Newcomer Darius Garland also had a major effect, with explosive guard play, and deep shooting ability, which pushed the already challenged Golden State defense.
In the case of the Warriors, Curry was an offensive load despite having little recent game time. With Curry on the floor, Golden State posted a 119.3 offensive rating – slightly above the Clippers’ rating with Leonard (118.6). However, the Warriors’ depth was badly compromised. Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford were in and out of the lineup all season, and key contributors including Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody were lost to season-ending injuries. Golden State simply could not match Los Angeles’ depth and durability when it mattered most.
What Happens Next After Clippers vs Warriors?
As the Clippers have advanced, they are now heading to Friday elimination game where they will host the loser of the Suns vs Trail Blazers match as they vie to receive the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference to play the first round of the playoffs. For the Warriors, their season is over. The Clippers vs Warriors clash marks the end of what was a difficult and injury-ravaged campaign for Golden State.
FAQs: Clippers vs Warriors Play-In Game
Q: Where was the Clippers vs Warriors Play-In game played?
The game was held at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, with the Clippers hosting as the higher seed.
Q: Was Stephen Curry healthy for tonight’s game?
Curry played but was returning from a 27-game absence due to a runner’s knee injury, with his minutes and conditioning still a concern heading into tonight.
Q: What was the regular-season record between Clippers vs Warriors?
The Clippers led the season series 3-1, though Golden State’s one win came by holding Los Angeles to just 79 points – their lowest total of the season.
Q: Where could fans watch Clippers vs Warriors?
The game was broadcast on Prime Video, with radio coverage available on 95.7 The Game.
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