Clippers Make NBA History with Remarkable Turnaround

LA Clippers overcome 15-game deficit to finish above .500 and clinch play-in tournament spot

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:56pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the energy and momentum of a basketball game with players' forms dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.The Clippers' remarkable comeback from a 15-game deficit to a playoff berth is a testament to the team's resilience and the leadership of Tyronn Lue.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Clippers have made NBA history by becoming the first team to finish above .500 after being 15 games below .500 at any point in the season. The Clippers were 6-21 on December 20 but went 36-19 the rest of the way to salvage their season and clinch a spot in the play-in tournament, exceeding the expectations of head coach Tyronn Lue.

Why it matters

The Clippers' remarkable turnaround is a testament to the team's resilience and the leadership of Tyronn Lue. Despite trading away James Harden midseason, the Clippers were able to rally behind Kawhi Leonard's MVP-caliber season and secure a chance to make the playoffs, defying early-season predictions.

The details

The Clippers were 6-21 on December 20 but went 36-19 the rest of the way, becoming the first NBA team to finish above .500 after being 15 games below .500 at any point in the season. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue had publicly stated in late December that the team's main goal was to be 35-20 throughout the rest of the season, and they exceeded that target. The Clippers were also able to stay afloat despite trading James Harden, as Kawhi Leonard put together one of the best individual seasons of his career.

  • On December 20, the Clippers were 6-21.
  • In late December, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said the team's main goal was to be 35-20 the rest of the way.
  • The Clippers went 36-19 after the 6-21 start.

The players

Tyronn Lue

Head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers who publicly stated the team's goal was to be 35-20 the rest of the season.

Kawhi Leonard

Star player for the Los Angeles Clippers who put together one of the best individual seasons of his career, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 50.5% from the field in 65 games.

James Harden

Former Clippers player who was traded midseason in a deal more about his future contract than the team's performance.

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What they’re saying

“Our main focus is to try to be 35-20 the rest of the way.”

— Tyronn Lue, Head Coach, Los Angeles Clippers

What’s next

The Clippers will meet the No. 10 seeded Golden State Warriors on Wednesday in the play-in tournament for the right to play one more game before earning a place in the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Clippers' remarkable turnaround from a 15-game deficit to a playoff berth is a testament to the team's resilience and the leadership of Tyronn Lue. Despite midseason adversity, the Clippers rallied behind Kawhi Leonard's MVP-caliber season to defy early-season predictions and make NBA history.