Clippers Outlast Warriors 124-119 in Overtime Thriller on April 13, 2025
James Harden delivered a clutch performance in overtime, sinking back-to-back three-pointers, converting two free throws, and scoring off a goaltending call to finish with 39 points and 10 assists. Kawhi Leonard added 33 points as the Los Angeles Clippers edged the Golden State Warriors 124-119 in an intense regular-season finale on Sunday, locking up the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Despite missing one of two free throws with 6.1 seconds remaining, Leonard extended the Clippers’ lead. The Warriors had one final opportunity to tie, but Buddy Hield’s three-point attempt missed the mark.
Stephen Curry led Golden State with 36 points and nailed a three-pointer with just over two minutes left in the extra period. However, he turned the ball over on the following possession under heavy defensive pressure. Jimmy Butler, who contributed 30 points and nine assists, will now look to guide the seventh-seeded Warriors in a must-win play-in game against Memphis on Tuesday.
Ivica Zubac was a force inside for Los Angeles, tallying 22 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. The Clippers are heading into the playoffs in top form, having won eight consecutive games and 18 of their last 21. They’ll face the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the first round.
Late in overtime, Leonard was called for traveling with 36.7 seconds left, giving Golden State a chance, but Draymond Green couldn’t convert on a layup attempt. Green also defended Leonard’s missed shot that sent the game into overtime.
The Clippers have now beaten the Warriors in seven straight meetings, including all four matchups this season. They’ve also won their last three visits to Chase Center. Notably, Leonard hadn’t played in any of the previous games against Golden State this year until Sunday.
Game Highlights & Stats
- Clippers: Harden shot an efficient 13-of-23 from the field, while Leonard went 13-of-19 and added three steals. The duo combined for nine three-pointers on 16 attempts.
- Warriors: This marked the sixth time Golden State’s playoff destiny came down to the season’s final game. The last occurrence was in 2022-23, when they routed Portland 157-101. Other similar situations occurred in 2006-07, 1981-82, 1977-78, and 1956-57.
Turning Point
Late in the second quarter, Butler had a layup overturned to an offensive foul after review. He quickly bounced back by scoring on the next possession, assisted by Curry, who then hit two timely three-pointers. Norman Powell responded for the Clippers by draining a buzzer-beating triple to give his team a 60-58 halftime lead.
Key Stat
The Clippers dominated the boards, outrebounding Golden State 42-25, including nine offensive rebounds that created multiple second-chance opportunities.
“That was really the only aspect of the game that concerned me,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
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This article highlights the Los Angeles Clippers’ 124-119 overtime victory over the Golden State Warriors, where James Harden led the way with 39 points and 10 assists to help secure the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Kawhi Leonard added 33 points, while Stephen Curry’s 36-point effort wasn’t enough to avoid the play-in tournament for Golden State.
