The Los Angeles Clippers outlasted the Golden State Warriors 102-92 on Friday night, securing their third win of the season against the slumping Bay Area squad. Norman Powell led Los Angeles with 24 points, while Jonathan Kuminga delivered a career-high 34 points off the bench for Golden State.
James Harden contributed 18 points and seven assists for the Clippers, who improved to 17-13. Ivica Zubac added a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, helping Los Angeles hold off a late surge by the Warriors. The Clippers relied on efficient scoring, shooting 53.3% from the floor compared to Golden State’s 36.8%.
The Warriors, now 15-14, were without Stephen Curry (knee) and Draymond Green (back). Despite these absences, Kuminga’s standout performance gave Golden State a fighting chance. He also grabbed 10 rebounds and shot 11-for-14 from the free-throw line, but the team’s 18.4% shooting from three-point range hindered their efforts.
Los Angeles controlled the game with a dominant third quarter. They opened the second half with a series of dunks and connected on four consecutive three-pointers to build a 19-point lead. Derrick Jones Jr. energized the Clippers with 14 points, including highlight-reel finishes at the rim.
Golden State battled back in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to just three points. However, tempers flared as the Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski collided with Amir Coffey, sparking a heated exchange that resulted in technical fouls for Harden and Lindy Waters III.
The Clippers ultimately regained control and sealed the win, thanks to timely baskets from Powell and Harden. Los Angeles also showed resilience on defense, limiting Golden State to just seven three-pointers on 38 attempts.
For the Warriors, Trayce Jackson-Davis contributed 15 points and nine rebounds, while Moses Moody added 11 points off the bench. Golden State’s struggles continued as they dropped their third straight game and fell to 3-12 in their last 15 contests.
Meanwhile, the Clippers have faced challenges of their own. With Kawhi Leonard yet to make his season debut and Kevin Porter Jr. sidelined due to illness, Los Angeles has struggled with consistency, going 4-4 in their last eight games.
Rebounding was one bright spot for the Warriors, who outrebounded the Clippers 47-39, including 19 offensive boards. However, their inability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and their 14 turnovers proved costly.
