The LA Clippers defeated the Golden State Warriors 103-102 in a thrilling regular-season game on Monday, January 5, 2026. The game at the Intuit Dome was marked by a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback attempt by the Warriors, the ejection of their coach Steve Kerr, and Stephen Curry fouling out for the first time since 2021.In a contest that devolved into a maelstrom of technical fouls, ejections, and last-second drama, the LA Clippers secured a tense 103-102 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Monday night. At the Intuit Dome, the win was a testament to the Clippers' resolve, while the Warriors were left licking their wounds, lamenting what they perceived as egregious officiating that culminated in coach Steve Kerr's fourth-quarter ejection. The atmosphere was electric, but the basketball was a grind—a stark contrast to the free-flowing offensive showcases both teams are capable of producing. Clippers' Early Control, Warriors' Late Charge The Clippers dictated much of the game's rhythm, establishing a lead that reached 14 points behind the quiet efficiency of Kawhi Leonard, who registered a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds. The surprise performance of the night came from rookie Kobe Sanders, who injected much-needed energy off the bench to score a career-high 20 points, showcasing a maturity beyond his years. Golden State, however, is a team built on championship pedigree and never-say-die attitude. Led by Stephen Curry's game-high 27 points and Jimmy Butler III's 24, they mounted a ferocious fourth-quarter comeback. The Warriors ramped up their defensive pressure, turning the final minutes into a chaotic, nerve-wracking affair.
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The Fouls, The Friction, and the Ejection The game's narrative was undeniably hijacked by the officiating. As the Warriors clawed their way back, the tension boiled over. With just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, an incensed Steve Kerr erupted after a non-call following contact on Curry. His passionate, prolonged argument with the officials earned him a quick pair of technical fouls and an unceremonious exit from the court. "We felt like we were fighting more than just the five guys on the court," a frustrated Draymond Green commented in the locker room post-game, reflecting a sentiment shared by the entire Warriors bench. The Warriors, galvanized by their coach's ejection, narrowed the deficit to a single point. But their comeback bid suffered another critical blow when Curry, for the first time in an NBA regular-season game since 2021, fouled out with 38 seconds left on the clock. Final Play Heartbreak In the dying seconds, down 103-102, the Warriors had the final possession. They managed to get the ball to Butler, whose off-balance mid-range jumper at the buzzer rimmed out, sending the Clippers players and the home crowd into a relieved frenzy. The Road Ahead The Clippers eke out a vital win in a tight Western Conference playoff race, demonstrating a resilience that will serve them well in the post-season. For the Warriors, it was a bitter pill to swallow. They showcased character in their comeback but ultimately fell short amid a night filled with controversy. The loss highlights ongoing frustrations with consistency and officiating as they attempt to solidify their own playoff position. This was more than just a regular-season game; it was a gritty, intense preview of playoff basketball, where every call and every point mattered.
GAMETIME HIGHLIGHTS
