Even without Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers still caused problems for the Golden State Warriors, who are having quite a hot start to the 2024-2025 NBA season.
Steph Curry and the rest of the crew visited the Clips at Los Angeles on November 19. The Warriors faced the Clippers for the second time this season, with the latter handing the former their first loss back in October. Unfortunately, the Dubs bid to even the regular season series wasn’t successful as they bow down to the Clips, 102-99.
The Warriors struggled a bit in the first half, but the former champs were able to bounce back late in the game. By the 2:30 minute mark, Los Angeles was still leading by 10, 102-92, but Golden State answered by making a 7-0 run after a timeout, to cut the deficit to just 3.
Then, The Last 35 Seconds Became Wild
In the final moments of the thrilling showdown in California, all hell broke loose between the Warriors-Clippers matchup.
After putting on their best defense, Gary Payton II made a crucial steal to give them a chance to tie the score. With the game on the line, it was Curry who took the supposed game-tying three, but the shot was off after being heavily contested. They were given another opportunity after Draymond Green grabbed the offensive rebound who swung it back to Curry, but the 2-time MVP was not able to get off a shot after being swarmed by three defenders.
Curry decided to pass the ball to GP II who decided to take the biggest shot of the night despite going 0-3 prior. Unfortunately, all it hit was the back iron and the Clippers escape with a close call. Reports say that the ball was supposed to go to Lindy Waters III, who was wide open in the corner.
After the loss, Steph Curry finished with 26 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds. One of the reasons of their late comeback was Wiggins, who recorded 22 points. Moreover, GSW’s 19 turnovers and poor free-throw shooting (9-19) probably brought them down the wire.
On the other hand, Norman Powell has been impressive this season. The 31-year-old forward put up 23 points. Meanwhile, although James Harden only got 12 points, the 10-time All-star accrued a season-high 16 assists.
The Warriors, with their third loss of the season, are now 10-3 but keep the second seed while the Clippers improve their record to 8-7 for the no.9 seed.
