NBA Referee Injured During Warriors-Clippers Play-In Game

Alternate official steps in after Ben Taylor exits with undisclosed injury.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:36am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy and overlapping perspectives of an NBA basketball game, with sharp planes of color representing the players, referees, and court action.A referee's injury disrupts the flow of a high-stakes NBA playoff matchup, requiring an alternate official to step in and maintain order on the court.Los Angeles Today

An NBA referee was injured and had to be replaced during a high-stakes play-in tournament game between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night in Inglewood, California.

Why it matters

Referee injuries are relatively rare during NBA games, and can significantly impact the flow and officiating of close, competitive matchups like this one with playoff implications on the line.

The details

Referee Ben Taylor left the game at an undisclosed point due to an unspecified injury, requiring an alternate official to step in and take over his duties for the remainder of the contest between the Warriors and Clippers.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 16, 2026 during the NBA play-in tournament game.

The players

Ben Taylor

An NBA referee who was injured and had to leave the Warriors-Clippers play-in game.

Golden State Warriors

One of the teams competing in the high-stakes NBA play-in tournament game.

Los Angeles Clippers

The other team competing in the NBA play-in tournament game against the Warriors.

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The takeaway

Referee injuries, while uncommon, can have a significant impact on the outcome and flow of close NBA playoff and tournament games. This incident highlights the importance of having qualified alternate officials ready to step in when needed.