Warriors Stifle Kawhi Leonard in Play-In Upset Over Clippers

Kawhi Leonard laments Warriors' defensive game plan that shut him down in the fourth quarter of their Play-In Tournament matchup.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:21pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the intense physical battle between the Warriors and Clippers players on the basketball court, with Kawhi Leonard's figure broken down into overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of the Warriors' defensive shutdown of Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers in their play-in tournament clash.Inglewood Today

The Golden State Warriors pulled off an upset over the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA Western Conference play-in game, coming back from a 13-point fourth quarter deficit to win 126-121. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, who had an All-NBA caliber regular season, was held scoreless in the final period until the final 16 seconds, with the Warriors' physical defense and double-teams proving too much for him to overcome.

Why it matters

The loss ends the Clippers' season and raises questions about Kawhi Leonard's future with the team, as he has just one year left on his contract. It also puts the job of head coach Ty Lue in jeopardy, as the Clippers have failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs in his six seasons at the helm.

The details

The Warriors' defensive game plan was the key to shutting down Leonard, with the team blitzing him on pick-and-rolls, getting physical, and making sure he didn't get any clean catch-and-shoot opportunities. Warriors forward Draymond Green, a perennial All-Defensive team selection, was a major factor in containing Leonard.

  • The Warriors-Clippers play-in game took place on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
  • The Warriors now face the Phoenix Suns on Friday, April 17, 2026, as they look to advance to the playoffs.

The players

Kawhi Leonard

A star forward for the Los Angeles Clippers who had an All-NBA caliber regular season but was held in check by the Warriors' defense in the play-in game.

Stephen Curry

The Warriors' superstar guard who scored 35 points to lead his team to the upset victory over the Clippers.

Draymond Green

The Warriors' veteran forward and perennial All-Defensive team selection, who was a key part of the team's defensive game plan to shut down Kawhi Leonard.

Ty Lue

The head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, whose job may be in jeopardy after the team's disappointing season and early playoff exit.

Steve Ballmer

The owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, who may decide to make changes to the team's coaching staff and roster after this early playoff exit.

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What they’re saying

“They had a great game plan. Just being physical all game, making sure I don't get no catch-and-shoot shots, blitzing every pick and roll, getting in the post and seeing two bodies. And then Draymond (Green) is a Hall of Fame defender, so it was hard to even get shots up.”

— Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers Forward

“Let me cry about this loss a little bit more. We'll have our discussions when that time comes.”

— Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers Forward

What’s next

The Warriors will face the Phoenix Suns on Friday, April 17, 2026, as they look to advance to the playoffs. The Clippers' season is over, and the team will have to decide on the futures of both Kawhi Leonard and head coach Ty Lue.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Warriors' defensive prowess and their ability to shut down even the league's elite scorers like Kawhi Leonard. It also raises questions about the Clippers' future, as they failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the sixth straight season under Ty Lue's leadership.