Three Warriors Score 20+ in Narrow Loss to Clippers

Santa Cruz Warriors fall 130-126 despite strong individual performances

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:23am

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The Santa Cruz Warriors (11-11) fell to the San Diego Clippers (13-14) by a score of 130-126 in their first of two matchups. Three Warriors players scored 20 or more points, led by Nate Williams' team-high 26 points and 5 assists. Center Charles Bassey recorded his 10th double-double of the season with 24 points and 18 rebounds, while Marques Bolden added 22 points and 6 rebounds. The Clippers were paced by a game-high 40 points from Hunter Sallis off the bench.

Why it matters

This was a close, high-scoring affair between two G League teams fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. The Warriors' strong individual performances, especially from their frontcourt players, show they have the talent to compete with top teams in the league, but they ultimately came up short against the Clippers' balanced scoring attack.

The details

The Warriors used a 16-4 run early in the first quarter to take a 19-10 lead, but the Clippers responded with 21 first-quarter points from 3-point range to take a 31-30 lead. The Clippers then built a double-digit lead in the second quarter, but the Warriors narrowed the gap to 65-61 at halftime. Santa Cruz took the lead in the third quarter behind strong 3-point shooting, but the Clippers regained control late and held on for the 130-126 victory despite a late Warriors surge.

  • The game was played on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • The Warriors will host the Clippers again this Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 1 p.m. PT.

The players

Nate Williams

A two-way guard for the Santa Cruz Warriors who recorded a team-high 26 points and 5 assists in the game.

Charles Bassey

The Warriors' center earned his 10th double-double of the regular season with 24 points and 18 rebounds.

Marques Bolden

The Warriors' center totaled 22 points and 6 rebounds in the loss.

Hunter Sallis

The Clippers' guard came off the bench to score a game-high 40 points.

Zach Freemantle

The Clippers' forward secured a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Warriors will host the Clippers again this Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 1 p.m. PT.

The takeaway

This close loss shows the Warriors have the talent to compete with top G League teams, but they'll need to find a way to close out tight games down the stretch if they want to secure a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.