Clippers clinch No. 9 seed, set up Warriors play-in rematch

Bennedict Mathurin's big game off the bench leads LA to victory over defending champs

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:25am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, with the players and court rendered in sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant blue, red, gold, and navy colors.The Clippers' victory over the defending champion Warriors sets the stage for a highly anticipated play-in tournament rematch between the two LA-based rivals.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Golden State Warriors 115-110 on Sunday, clinching the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference and setting up a rematch in the NBA play-in tournament. Clippers reserve Bennedict Mathurin led the way with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists off the bench.

Why it matters

This win secures the Clippers' spot in the play-in tournament, where they will have a chance to earn one of the final playoff spots. The Clippers and Warriors faced off in last year's play-in, with the Warriors prevailing, so this rematch will be highly anticipated.

The details

The Clippers led by as many as 15 points in the game and held off a late Warriors comeback attempt. Mathurin was the catalyst for the Clippers, providing a big boost off the bench. The win gives the Clippers the No. 9 seed, meaning they will host the No. 10 seed in the first play-in game.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Bennedict Mathurin

A reserve forward for the Los Angeles Clippers who had a standout game off the bench, scoring 20 points with 9 rebounds and 8 assists.

Los Angeles Clippers

The NBA team that defeated the defending champion Golden State Warriors to clinch the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference and a spot in the play-in tournament.

Golden State Warriors

The defending NBA champions who were defeated by the Clippers, but will still have a chance to make the playoffs through the play-in tournament.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough game against the champs, but the guys really stepped up and made plays when it counted.”

— Tyronn Lue, Head Coach, Los Angeles Clippers

What’s next

The Clippers will host the No. 10 seed in the first play-in game, with the winner advancing to face the No. 8 seed for the final playoff spot.

The takeaway

The Clippers' victory over the Warriors sets up an intriguing rematch in the play-in tournament, as the two teams battle for a chance to make the playoffs. Mathurin's big game off the bench was a key factor in the Clippers' win.