Warriors Stun Clippers in Vintage Comeback Victory

Stephen Curry and Draymond Green lead Golden State to a thrilling play-in win over Los Angeles.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:13am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring dynamic brushstrokes and neon colors that capture the intensity and excitement of the Warriors' come-from-behind victory over the Clippers.The Warriors' championship pedigree shines through in a thrilling play-in win over the Clippers.Los Angeles Today

In a do-or-die play-in game, the Golden State Warriors overcame a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 126-121. Led by Stephen Curry's 35 points and Draymond Green's lockdown defense on Kawhi Leonard, the Warriors evoked memories of their championship past with a gritty, come-from-behind victory.

Why it matters

The Warriors' win was a reminder of their dynastic run, as Curry and Green combined to deliver a vintage performance that has become synonymous with Golden State's success over the past decade. Despite a challenging regular season, the Warriors proved they can still summon that championship pedigree when the stakes are highest.

The details

Curry hit seven 3-pointers and scored 27 of his 35 points in the second half to fuel the Warriors' comeback. Meanwhile, Green shut down Kawhi Leonard in the fourth quarter, holding the Clippers star to just two shots in the final period. Golden State also got key contributions from newcomers Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, who hit four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.

  • The game was a do-or-die play-in matchup on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • Curry returned from a 27-game absence due to a knee injury to lead the Warriors' charge.

The players

Stephen Curry

The Warriors' superstar point guard, a 4-time NBA champion and 2-time MVP, scored 35 points and hit 7 3-pointers to lead Golden State's comeback.

Draymond Green

The Warriors' defensive anchor and 4-time champion, he shut down Kawhi Leonard in the fourth quarter to preserve the victory.

Kristaps Porzingis

The Warriors' midseason acquisition had 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, making key plays down the stretch.

Al Horford

The 39-year-old veteran hit four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to spark the Warriors' rally.

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' superstar forward was held in check by Draymond Green, scoring just 21 points.

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What they’re saying

“For one night, we're us. We're champions again. And I know that may sound crazy to everybody out there. It's a play-in game. I don't care. Just absolutely beautiful to watch.”

— Steve Kerr, Warriors Head Coach

“That's what you live for right there.”

— Stephen Curry

“Draymond Green is a Hall of Fame defender. It was hard to even get shots up.”

— Kawhi Leonard

What’s next

The Warriors will now travel to Phoenix to face the Suns in the first round of the NBA playoffs, looking to continue their improbable postseason run.

The takeaway

Despite a challenging regular season, the Warriors proved they can still summon their championship pedigree when the stakes are highest. Curry and Green's vintage performance showed the team's resilience and reminded the league that Golden State remains a force to be reckoned with.