Clippers Defy Odds, Clinch Play-in Spot After Dismal Start

Tyronn Lue's squad overcame a 6-21 start to finish 42-40 and extend their streak of winning seasons.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:35pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Clippers basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the team's official colors of red, blue, and white, conveying the energy and movement of the game.The Clippers' improbable playoff push has captivated the league, showcasing the team's resilience and competitive spirit.Inglewood Today

The Los Angeles Clippers have defied the odds by clawing their way into the NBA play-in tournament after a dismal 6-21 start to the season. Led by coach Tyronn Lue, the Clippers finished the year 42-40, extending their NBA-best active streak of consecutive winning seasons to 15. They're the first team in league history to be 15 or more games under .500 and still end with a winning record.

Why it matters

The Clippers' remarkable turnaround is a testament to their resilience and Lue's ability to keep the team focused despite facing significant adversity, including injuries, a league investigation, and the sudden departure of veteran Chris Paul. Their improbable playoff push has captivated the league and showcases the competitive spirit of the franchise.

The details

After the Clippers' 6-21 start, they managed to scrap their way back into playoff contention, finishing the season 42-40. This included overcoming the loss of Bradley Beal to a season-ending injury and the team's decision to part ways with Chris Paul in December. The Clippers also made moves at the trade deadline, shedding their label as the league's oldest team by trading away 36-year-old James Harden and longtime fan favorite Ivica Zubac.

  • The Clippers started the season with a dismal 6-21 record.
  • The Clippers finished the season 42-40, extending their NBA-best active streak of consecutive winning seasons to 15.

The players

Tyronn Lue

The head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, who has guided the team through a tumultuous season and into the NBA play-in tournament.

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' star player, who remains the subject of a league investigation into whether the team circumvented the NBA's salary cap to pay him as part of an endorsement deal with a now-bankrupt sponsor.

Lawrence Frank

The president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Clippers, who has said the league investigation does not impact the team's daily operations.

Chris Paul

The 40-year-old future Hall of Fame point guard who was suddenly banished from the Clippers in December after aiming to retire with the franchise.

Brook Lopez

A veteran player on the Clippers who said the team always knew they were a better team than their early-season record showed.

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What they’re saying

“A lot”

— Tyronn Lue, Head Coach, Los Angeles Clippers

“Usually a team deals with adversity maybe once or twice throughout a season, but not five or six times.”

— Tyronn Lue, Head Coach, Los Angeles Clippers

“Pretty remarkable turnaround. I know Ty well. One of his strengths is just staying the course and really keeping the guys on an even keel, and that's not easy to do when you're 6-21.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors

“It doesn't impact anything we do on a daily basis. We know it's out there, we know at some point there'll be a decision made.”

— Lawrence Frank, President of Basketball Operations, Los Angeles Clippers

“To not give up, not give in, it just shows a lot about the guys in the locker room that care to what they bring every single day.”

— Tyronn Lue, Head Coach, Los Angeles Clippers

What’s next

The Clippers will host the Golden State Warriors in a play-in game on Wednesday night, with the winner advancing to an elimination game on Friday. The loser of the Clippers-Warriors matchup will be eliminated from playoff contention for the season.

The takeaway

The Clippers' remarkable turnaround from a dismal 6-21 start to a 42-40 finish and a spot in the NBA play-in tournament is a testament to the team's resilience, Tyronn Lue's coaching, and the competitive spirit of the franchise. Despite facing significant adversity, including injuries, a league investigation, and the departure of a veteran leader, the Clippers have proven they are a better team than their early-season record indicated.