NBA Referee Injured During Warriors-Clippers Play-In Game

Referee Ben Taylor replaced by alternate after leaving court with injury

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:23am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy of a basketball game, with the players, court, and referee broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the disruption caused by a referee's injury during a high-stakes NBA playoff game.Los Angeles Today

NBA referee Ben Taylor was injured during the play-in tournament game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Taylor walked stiffly off the court and went up the tunnel behind one of the baskets at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and was replaced by an alternate referee.

Why it matters

Referee injuries are uncommon but can significantly impact the flow and officiating of high-stakes NBA playoff games. This incident raises questions about the league's referee staffing and injury protocols, as well as the preparedness of alternate officials to step in on short notice.

The details

According to reports, referee Ben Taylor left the court with an apparent leg or lower body injury during the Warriors-Clippers play-in game. He was replaced by an alternate referee, though the specifics of Taylor's injury and his status for future playoff games are currently unknown.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 16, 2026 during the Warriors-Clippers 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 playing in the Warriors-Clippers play-in tournament game where the referee injury occurred.

Los Angeles Clippers

One of the teams playing in the Warriors-Clippers play-in tournament game where the referee injury occurred.

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What’s next

The NBA will likely provide an update on Ben Taylor's injury status and whether he will be able to officiate future playoff games.

The takeaway

Referee injuries, while uncommon, can have a significant impact on the flow and officiating of high-stakes NBA playoff games. This incident highlights the importance of the league's referee staffing and injury protocols, as well as the preparedness of alternate officials to step in on short notice.