San Diego Clippers clinch G League playoff spot in season finale

Despite loss, Clippers secure first postseason berth since 2021-22 season

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Diego Clippers clinched a spot in the NBA G League playoffs despite a 118-102 loss to the Stockton Kings in their regular season finale. The Clippers' playoff berth marks the franchise's first postseason appearance since the 2021-22 season and a key step forward in their first year under the San Diego name.

Why it matters

The Clippers' playoff clinch is an important milestone for the franchise, which is in its first season based in San Diego after previously playing in the G League as the Agua Caliente Clippers. Making the playoffs shows the team is headed in the right direction under new head coach Paul Hewitt.

The details

Although the Clippers lost their final regular season game, they had already done enough to secure a playoff spot. Hewitt praised his team's consistency and commitment throughout a season marked by roster turnover. Key players like Jahmyl Telfort, TyTy Washington Jr. and Zach Freemantle helped anchor the team's success.

  • The Clippers clinched their playoff berth on March 29, 2026.
  • The Clippers will face the top-seeded South Bay Lakers in the opening round of the playoffs on March 31, 2026.

The players

Paul Hewitt

The head coach of the San Diego Clippers, who praised his team's commitment and consistency throughout the season.

Jahmyl Telfort

A key player for the Clippers who helped anchor the team's success this season.

TyTy Washington Jr.

A Clippers player who was part of the core group that stayed committed through roster turnover.

Zach Freemantle

A Clippers player who was part of the core group that stayed committed through roster turnover.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's nice to be in it. We got a little help today, obviously, but our guys gave themselves a chance.”

— Paul Hewitt, Head Coach

“Their level of commitment is something I certainly appreciate. It's the easiest thing in the world when there's turnover to just go out there and play for yourself, but for the most part our guys didn't do that.”

— Paul Hewitt, Head Coach

“Just having those guys was really helpful the whole season. I've known Zach for a couple years, and me and TyTy got close too. Playing with them is a blessing for sure.”

— Jahmyl Telfort, Player

“Just win. Do everything in your power to win the game. Making the playoffs was a goal of ours, and we did. Now it's just taking it one game at a time.”

— Jahmyl Telfort, Player

What’s next

The Clippers will face the top-seeded South Bay Lakers in the opening round of the playoffs on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at the UCLA Health Training Center.

The takeaway

The Clippers' playoff berth is an important milestone for the franchise as it continues to establish itself in San Diego. The team's commitment and consistency through roster turnover has paid off, setting them up for a postseason run against a tough opponent in the South Bay Lakers.