The Los Angeles Clippers achieved their playoff goal with a thrilling 124-119 overtime victory against the Golden State Warriors. James Harden shone with 39 points, contributing significantly in overtime, while Kawhi Leonard also had a prominent performance with 33 points. The game was tightly contested, needing overtime to resolve. The Clippers' playoff berth marks their 12th appearance in the last 14 seasons, a testament to their resilience and determination throughout the challenging regular season. Coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the significance of their hard work paying off at this crucial moment.
"On nights like this, this is really when it means something," Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. "Like I said, you make it to the playoffs, all the hard work you put in throughout the course of the season, it's huge when it comes down to this point."
Harden finished with 39 points (12 in overtime), 10 assists and seven rebounds, and a long embrace from Stephen Curry, who had 36 points for the Warriors.
But it wasn't until Buddy Hield missed a three-pointer with the Clippers ahead by three with 5.1 seconds left in overtime did the Clippers clinch a playoff spot for the 12th time in the last 14 seasons.
Curry turned up the heat on the Clippers late in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 straight points to put the Warriors up 111-107 with 1 minute, 55 seconds left.
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