Clippers Stage Epic Comeback to Defeat Warriors in OT Thriller at Crypto Arena 2025
In a game that had every bit of playoff intensity, the Los Angeles Clippers pulled off a stunning 124–119 overtime victory against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena. With the win, the Clippers clinched the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, while the Warriors, who once held a 22-point lead, now find themselves fighting for survival in the play-in tournament.
Harden Puts on a Vintage Show
James Harden was nothing short of electric. The 10-time All-Star turned back the clock, dropping 39 points and 10 assists—including a ridiculous 12 points in overtime alone. Whether it was draining step-back threes, threading no-look passes, or calmly sinking clutch free throws, Harden had his fingerprints all over this one.
Kawhi Leonard wasn’t far behind, doing classic Kawhi things—dropping 33 points with steely efficiency, and locking down key possessions when it mattered most.
And then there was Ivica Zubac, the unsung hero. He bullied his way to 22 points and 17 rebounds, dominating the paint and giving the Clippers the second chances they desperately needed in the comeback.
Tennis Titans
Curry and the Warriors Collapse Late
For a good chunk of the night, it looked like Golden State had this one in the bag. Stephen Curry was cooking, pouring in 36 points with his usual deep-range wizardry. Jimmy Butler III (yes, the rising star) added a strong 30, and the Warriors built a 22-point lead in the second half.
But then…the wheels came off.
The Clippers tightened the screws on defense, went on a massive run, and outscored the Warriors 65–42 in the second half and OT. Curry had a chance to tie it in the final moments of regulation, but his midrange jumper clanged off the rim. The momentum had officially shifted.
Harden’s Got That Dog in Him
Let’s start with the man of the night: James Harden. I don’t know what kind of pregame fuel he had, but the guy was on one. He dropped 39 points and 10 assists, and 12 of those points came in OT alone. Every time the Clippers needed a bucket, Harden stepped up like it was 2018 again. Step-back threes, crafty layups, clutch free throws—he did it all.
Kawhi Leonard wasn’t far behind either. He quietly (as always) racked up 33 points and was just solid on both ends. Vintage Kawhi stuff—calm, efficient, deadly.
And then there’s Ivica Zubac. Can we give the big man some love? He went for 22 points and 17 rebounds, and straight-up owned the paint. He was cleaning up misses, setting monster screens, and making life miserable for the Warriors down low.
💥 Warriors Start Hot, But Fizzle Out
Golden State came out swinging. Stephen Curry looked like he was about to steal the show, going off for 36 points with his usual logo-range magic. Jimmy Butler III added 30 and gave them a strong second scoring option.
At one point in the second half, the Warriors were up by 22 points. Yep, twenty-two. It looked like they were about to run the Clippers out of their own building.
But then… the wheels came off.
The Clippers cranked up the defense, found their rhythm, and slowly but surely chipped away. By the time OT rolled around, the momentum had completely flipped. Harden took over, the crowd was losing its mind, and the Warriors just couldn’t recover. Curry had a clean look to tie it near the end of regulation—but it rimmed out. That was kind of the story of their night.
DPVNATION
What’s Next?
The Clippers, riding high off this emotional win, now move on to face the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. That’ll be a heavyweight showdown.
The Warriors, meanwhile, have to shake off the sting of this collapse quickly. They’ll face the Memphis Grizzlies in the play-in game, with the winner earning a shot at the second-seated Houston Rockets.
Final Thoughts
This game had it all—star power, drama, momentum swings, and postseason implications. It felt less like a regular-season finale and more like a Game 7. And if the Clippers play with this kind of grit in the playoffs? The West better take notice.
