Clippers Clinch Playoff Berth After Historic Turnaround Led by Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers overcame a disastrous 6-21 start to the season to finish above .500 and earn a spot in the NBA playoffs.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:33am

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors and expressive brushstrokes, capturing the intensity and drama of the Clippers' stunning turnaround season and their upcoming high-stakes matchup against the Warriors.Kawhi Leonard's heroics power the Clippers' remarkable comeback as they near a playoff berth.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Clippers have clinched a playoff berth after a remarkable turnaround that saw them overcome a 6-21 start to the season. Led by Kawhi Leonard, who had one of his healthiest seasons in recent history, the Clippers went 36-19 over the final 55 games to finish the regular season at 42-40 and become the first team in NBA history to be 15 or more games under .500 and still finish with a winning record.

Why it matters

The Clippers' playoff berth is a testament to the team's resilience and Kawhi Leonard's ability to lead the team through adversity. Their historic turnaround has captured the attention of the NBA community and showcases the Clippers' potential as a contender in the Western Conference.

The details

After starting the season 6-21, the Clippers made a series of moves, including trading starters James Harden and Ivica Zubac, and welcoming a fresh cast of young players like Bennedict Mathurin and Darius Garland. Through it all, Kawhi Leonard remained a constant, appearing in 65 regular-season games and putting up a career-high 27.9 points per game. The Clippers' turnaround was so impressive that head coach Ty Lue, ahead of a game against the Lakers in December, told the media, 'Our main focus is to try to be 35-20 the rest of the way.' The team went on to exceed that goal, finishing 36-19 over the final 55 games.

  • On December 20, the Clippers had a 6-21 record.
  • Ty Lue set a goal for the Clippers to be 35-20 the rest of the way.
  • The Clippers ended up going 36-19 over the final 55 games.

The players

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' star player, who had one of his healthiest seasons in recent history, appearing in 65 regular-season games and putting up a career-high 27.9 points per game.

Ty Lue

The Clippers' head coach, who guided the team through a tumultuous season and set a goal for them to be 35-20 the rest of the way, which they exceeded.

James Harden

A former Clippers starter who was traded during the season.

Ivica Zubac

A former Clippers starter who was traded during the season.

Bennedict Mathurin

A young player who joined the Clippers and helped revitalize the roster.

Darius Garland

A young player who joined the Clippers and helped revitalize the roster.

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What they’re saying

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

— Ty Lue, Clippers Head Coach

“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.”

— Ty Lue, Clippers Head Coach

“He's one of the greatest players to play this game... Even if it's just a pickup game, just being able to share the floor with a player like that, being coached by Steve Kerr, also playing with Draymond, that unit over there of championship pedigree. It's a great opportunity. You can't take it for granted.”

— Kawhi Leonard

What’s next

The Clippers will face the Golden State Warriors in the Play-In Elimination game, with the winner to face the loser of the Phoenix Suns v Portland Trail Blazers 7v8 matchup.

The takeaway

The Clippers' remarkable turnaround from a disastrous 6-21 start to the season to clinching a playoff berth showcases the team's resilience and Kawhi Leonard's ability to lead the team through adversity. Their historic achievement has captured the attention of the NBA community and sets the stage for an exciting playoff run.