In a thrilling encounter on January 5, 2026, the Los Angeles Clippers narrowly defeated the Golden State Warriors with a score of 103-102, showcasing intense gameplay that included notable moments such as Warriors coach Steve Kerr's ejection and Steph Curry fouling out for the first time since 2021.
Kawhi Leonard led the charge for the Clippers, contributing 24 points and securing 12 rebounds, while rookie Kobe Sanders made a significant impact by scoring a career-high of 20 points. The game took a dramatic turn when Kerr was ejected with 7:57 left on the clock after losing his temper over a non-call on a goaltending play involving John Collins from the Clippers. His frustration boiled over as he vocally confronted the referees along the sideline, requiring his assistants to intervene before he was ultimately sent off.
Despite a strong performance from Curry, who tallied 27 points, he struggled significantly with his shooting, hitting only 4 of 15 attempts from beyond the arc and 9 of 23 overall before fouling out with just 42 seconds remaining. This marked Curry's first disqualification since December 17, 2021, during a matchup against Boston.
The Clippers also had to adjust their lineup as James Harden was ruled out at the last moment due to right shoulder discomfort. Nonetheless, the Clippers’ starters all managed to score in double digits, with Collins adding 18 points and Kris Dunn contributing 16. Ivica Zubac rounded out the group by grabbing 11 rebounds, displaying the team's depth and resilience.
For the Warriors, Jimmy Butler was a standout performer, scoring 24 points, but the team faced their eighth consecutive road loss to the Clippers.
In the nail-biting final moments, Curry committed a foul on Dunn with the Warriors trailing 101-100 after Curry had made two consecutive three-pointers. Dunn capitalized on the opportunity, sinking both free throws, putting the Clippers ahead by three. Draymond Green then made a crucial basket to narrow the gap to just one point.
With the tension mounting, Leonard's missed jumper gave the Warriors a chance to tie the game, but Butler’s 16-foot attempt at a buzzer-beater fell short, sealing the Clippers' victory. Both teams struggled with their long-range shooting, with the Clippers converting 10 of 29 attempts, while the Warriors managed only 10 of 41.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Warriors began to rally, coming within four points before the Clippers surged ahead with a 16-7 scoring run, highlighted by Leonard's six points and Collins' five. Golden State appeared determined, launching a nine-point streak that featured seven points from Butler, closing the deficit to 94-90.
This match-up drew an electric atmosphere reminiscent of playoff intensity, further amplified by rapper Snoop Dogg providing commentary during a streamed broadcast on Peacock. The game was particularly noteworthy as it featured two of the oldest rosters in the NBA, with the Clippers averaging 30 years and the Warriors slightly younger at 29.6 years.
In an unexpected incident, Green collided with his own bench while diving for a loose ball late in the first half, sustaining a rib contusion but continuing to play. He recorded 12 assists, yet struggled with his shooting, finishing 0 for 6 from three-point range.
Looking ahead, the Warriors will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, marking the start of an eight-game homestand, whereas the Clippers are set to travel to New York to face the Knicks, kicking off a three-game eastern road trip.
