The Los Angeles Clippers handed the Golden State Warriors their first loss of the season with a 112-104 victory on Sunday night, showing their depth and resilience despite Kawhi Leonard’s continued absence.
With Leonard sidelined, the Clippers leaned on James Harden, Ivica Zubac, and Norman Powell, who each delivered solid performances to lead Los Angeles to a pivotal win.
Harden led the charge with an impressive 23 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, displaying his versatility and playmaking skills. Meanwhile, center Ivica Zubac dominated the paint, contributing a powerful 23 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists.
Powell, coming off a red-hot 37-point game against the Denver Nuggets, cooled down but still provided a reliable 20 points to keep the Clippers’ offense humming. Derrick Jones Jr. also delivered his season-best performance, adding 18 points and showing promise as a new addition to the roster.
The victory marks the Clippers’ second win in three games against top-tier teams like the Phoenix Suns, Nuggets, and now the Warriors, proving they can hold their own even with Leonard on the bench. Fans praised the standout performances of Harden, Zubac, and Powell, as well as the Clippers’ supporting cast, for their ability to adapt and deliver under pressure.
For the Warriors, the game held additional setbacks beyond the final score. Late in the fourth quarter, star guard Steph Curry exited the game with a left ankle sprain, a blow to Golden State as they rely heavily on Curry’s leadership and offensive prowess.
The Warriors announced the injury on social media, and fans now await updates, hoping the setback is not serious and doesn’t keep Curry off the court for long. Curry’s presence is crucial to the Warriors’ playoff aspirations this season, and his absence could pose a significant challenge for the team moving forward.
Despite the loss, the Warriors put up a fight, but they struggled to contain the Clippers’ efficient ball movement and rebounding dominance. With Curry’s injury now a concern, the Warriors face uncertainty as they seek to rebound in upcoming games.
Meanwhile, the Clippers’ morale should be high after two strong performances against elite Western Conference teams. As Leonard continues his recovery, the team’s success highlights the depth within the Clippers’ squad. With Harden and Zubac proving themselves reliable leaders, the Clippers may have laid the groundwork for a strong season ahead.
