Clippers Clinch Playoff Spot in Overtime Thriller, Warriors Head to Play-In: The Clippers clinch playoff spot after a thrilling overtime win against the Golden State Warriors. On Sunday, April 13, 2025, the Clippers won 124-119, securing the No. 5 seed in the West. The Warriors dropped to No. 7 and will face Memphis in the play-in tournament.
James Harden led the Clippers with 39 points, ensuring their eighth straight win. The game decided on final seeding in a tight Western Conference race. Meanwhile, Denver, the Lakers, and the Clippers all finished 50-32.
Also Read | Boston Celtics Set Franchise Record with 33 Road Wins in Stunning Victory Over Knicks
Clippers Clinch Playoff Spot in Overtime Thriller, Warriors Head to Play-In: Insights
- The Clippers clinch playoff spot with a hard-fought overtime win.
- Golden State falls to No. 7, entering the play-in tournament.
- James Harden shines with 39 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds.
- The Western Conference standings remained uncertain until the final game.
- Nine NBA teams finished with 50+ wins, a first since 2014-15.
Background
The NBA regular season ended with intense playoff positioning battles. The Western Conference had multiple teams fighting for seeding. The Clippers and Warriors were among them. A win would secure a direct playoff berth. A loss meant entering the play-in tournament.
The Clippers had won seven straight before this game. The Warriors hoped to avoid the play-in, where they’ve never won.
Main Event
The Clippers clinch playoff spot in a dramatic overtime finish. James Harden dominated with 39 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. His performance sealed the Clippers’ 50th win. The Warriors led late but couldn’t hold on. Stephen Curry scored 29 points, but it wasn’t enough.
The loss pushed Golden State into the play-in tournament. They will host Memphis on Tuesday. The winner gets the No. 7 seed. Had the Warriors won, the Clippers would have fallen to No. 7.
Meanwhile, Denver secured the No. 4 seed by beating Houston. The Lakers, Nuggets, and Clippers all finished 50-32. The Lakers took No. 3 due to tiebreakers. Minnesota avoided the play-in by beating Utah. Anthony Edwards scored 43 points, emphasizing their playoff readiness.
Anthony Edwards soars for a dunk as the Clippers secure a playoff berth in an overtime thriller, sending the Warriors to the Play-In Tournament.
Photo Credits: AP.
Implications
The Clippers clinch playoff spot and avoid the play-in stress. They now face Denver in the first round. The Warriors must win twice to make the playoffs. This puts pressure on their aging roster.
For fans, the play-in adds excitement. For teams, it’s a risky path. The NBA benefits from more competitive games. Nine teams hitting 50 wins shows league parity.
Conclusion
The Clippers clinch playoff spot, proving their resilience. The Warriors face a tough play-in challenge. The West remains unpredictable. With the playoffs starting soon, every game matters. Can Golden State bounce back? Will the Clippers go deep? The NBA postseason promises high drama.
