The Golden State Warriors defeated the LA Clippers 126-121 on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in the Western Conference 9-vs-10 NBA Play-In game at Intuit Dome, with Stephen Curry leading all scorers with 35 points as Golden State closed on a dominant fourth-quarter push to advance.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: The Clippers came out sharper and built an early edge with a 31-22 opening period. LA shot efficiently and moved the ball well, putting Golden State on the back foot while Bennedict Mathurin helped set the scoring tone for the home side.

Second Quarter: Golden State responded with a 31-30 quarter, trimming the halftime deficit to 61-53. The Warriors were more organized offensively in the second, and Curry’s scoring helped keep the gap manageable even as the Clippers continued to convert at a strong rate.

Third Quarter: The Warriors stayed within striking distance by outscoring LA 30-28 in the third. The Clippers still held an 89-83 lead entering the fourth, but Golden State’s shot-making had started to shift the rhythm, especially from beyond the arc.

Fourth Quarter: The game turned decisively in the final 12 minutes. Golden State put up 43 points in the fourth and outscored the Clippers by 11 in the period, completing the comeback behind Curry’s shot creation and a steady stream of timely baskets. LA scored 32 in the quarter and remained competitive, but the Warriors were more efficient in the closing stretch.

Key Performers

Golden State Warriors:
Stephen Curry led the way with 35 points and was the game’s top performer, finishing as Golden State’s offensive anchor in the second half and especially in the fourth quarter. Draymond Green added 9 assists to direct the offense, while Gui Santos led the team with 7 rebounds. As a team, the Warriors shot 56.6% from the field and 46.3% from three-point range, connecting on 19 of 41 from deep.

LA Clippers:
Bennedict Mathurin paced the Clippers with 23 points, Darius Garland added 21 points and 8 assists, and Kris Dunn handed out a team-high 10 assists. John Collins led LA with 9 rebounds. The Clippers also shot well, finishing at 52.3% overall and 40.0% from three, while making all 17 of their free-throw attempts.

NerdSports Stat: Golden State won this game despite trailing after the first, second, and third quarters, then scoring 43 points in the fourth after totaling just 83 through the first three periods.

Game Analysis

This game was decided by late-game efficiency and perimeter volume. Both teams were productive offensively, but Golden State created separation with its three-point output, making 19 triples to the Clippers’ 14. That 15-point gap from long range outweighed LA’s advantage at the free-throw line, where the Clippers were a perfect 17-for-17 and the Warriors went 13-for-21.

The Warriors also stayed composed after a slow start. LA controlled much of the first half and entered the fourth quarter with a six-point lead, but Golden State’s offensive execution improved possession by possession. Curry’s scoring presence gave the Warriors a reliable option in the half court, and Green’s playmaking helped keep the floor balanced.

The Clippers had enough offense to win on most nights, posting 121 points on better than 52% shooting with 30 assists, but they could not contain Golden State’s closing burst. A 43-point fourth quarter in a play-in setting is difficult to absorb, even with strong offensive numbers on the other side.

An additional subplot came from the officiating crew, as referee Ben Taylor exited with an injury and was replaced by the alternate during the game. While it did not define the outcome, it added an unusual in-game development to an already high-pressure play-in atmosphere.

Closing Context

With the win, the Warriors improved to 38-45 overall and moved forward from the West 9-vs-10 play-in matchup, keeping their postseason hopes alive. The Clippers, who finished 42-41 after the loss, saw their season end at home despite leading through three quarters. For Golden State, the comeback offered a timely reminder that its experience and shot-making can still change a game quickly in elimination settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the LA Clippers vs Golden State Warriors game on April 15, 2026?

Golden State Warriors defeated LA Clippers 126-121 on April 15, 2026.

How many points did Stephen Curry score?

Stephen Curry scored 35 points on 56.6% shooting.

What are Golden State Warriors’s standings after this game?

After the win, Golden State Warriors sits 38-45 in the Western Conference.

Who was the best player in the game?

Stephen Curry was the standout performer with 35 points, leading all scorers and guiding Golden State’s fourth-quarter comeback.