Clippers' Tyronn Lue 'Pissed Off' After Blowing Lead vs. Warriors

Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue lamented his team's inability to hold on to a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:43pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting breaking down the intense final minutes of the Clippers vs. Warriors game into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of color, with the players' movements and the crowd's energy deconstructed into an abstract, cubist composition.A cubist interpretation of the Clippers' heartbreaking collapse against the Warriors, capturing the frantic energy and fragmented emotions of the game's climactic moments.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Clippers blew a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors, ultimately losing 126-121 in the Play-In Tournament. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue expressed his frustration, saying he was 'pissed off' that his team couldn't close out the game after having it 'in our hands.' Kawhi Leonard struggled in the final period, scoring just 2 points, as the Warriors rallied behind Stephen Curry and Al Horford.

Why it matters

The loss ends the Clippers' season after three consecutive playoff appearances. It's a disappointing end for a team that had high expectations, especially after Kawhi Leonard's strong regular season performance. The collapse also raises questions about the Clippers' ability to win close games and close out opponents, an issue that has plagued them in the past.

The details

The Clippers led by as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter, but the Warriors stormed back with a 9-0 run to take the lead late. Stephen Curry hit a clutch three-pointer with 50 seconds left to give Golden State a 120-117 advantage, and the Clippers were unable to recover. Kawhi Leonard, who had 21 points, struggled mightily in the final period, scoring just 2 points as he was stifled by the defense of Draymond Green.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, April 16, 2026 at Intuit Dome.
  • The Clippers led by as much as 13 points in the fourth quarter before the Warriors' comeback.

The players

Tyronn Lue

Head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, who expressed his frustration with the team's inability to close out the game against the Warriors.

Kawhi Leonard

Star player for the Los Angeles Clippers, who had 21 points but struggled in the fourth quarter, scoring just 2 points.

Stephen Curry

Star player for the Golden State Warriors, who led his team's comeback with a clutch three-pointer in the final minute.

Draymond Green

Defensive anchor for the Golden State Warriors, who effectively contained Kawhi Leonard in the fourth quarter.

Al Horford

Veteran forward for the Golden State Warriors, who hit four three-pointers in the final quarter to help fuel the comeback.

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What they’re saying

“Pissed off. We had the game in our hands.”

— Tyronn Lue, Head Coach, Los Angeles Clippers

What’s next

The Clippers' season has come to an end with this loss in the Play-In Tournament. They will now enter the offseason facing questions about their ability to close out games and win in the playoffs, as well as potential roster changes and the future of the team.

The takeaway

This collapse against the Warriors is a tough way for the Clippers' season to end, especially after they had fought back from a poor start to the year to make the Play-In. Tyronn Lue's frustration is understandable, as his team had the game in their grasp but were unable to finish the job. The Clippers will need to address their late-game execution and find ways to get more out of their star players in crunch time if they hope to take the next step as a franchise.