Clippers escape second half comeback by Warriors, win 102-99 in thriller

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Everyone take a deep breath. The Clippers just got by the best team in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors, 102-99 in an absolute thriller. 

You can always sense when there is a big game, especially when Steph Curry comes into town, and that was just what happened on Monday night at Intuit Dome. 

Even hours before the game, there was a certain buzz to the arena, and by the time tipoff came around, the brand new palace was mostly filled. 

The Clippers led 27-22 after the first quarter and it was the bench unit and Norm Powell that gave them that advantage. 

Speaking of Powell, he scored 15 of his 23 in the first half, providing that scoring punch that the team so desperately needed, especially against a tough Warriors defense. 

Mo Bamba once again provided some quality minutes off the bench, getting two steals and scoring 3 points in seven quick minutes. Obviously, Bamba was playing in a back-to-back coming off of a lengthy injury, so this was to be expected. 

It was really a myriad of different players coming in and making a difference. Terance Mann looks like a completely new player in the second unit, and was actually a part of the closing lineup for the Clippers. Mann added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists while also notching 2 steals. 

But, I think Coffey was for closers on Monday night, because Amir Coffey was once again spectacular. He poured in 15 points and 5 rebounds, while also playing excellent defense on multiple Warriors down the stretch. 

It seems like Coffey has been the unsung hero in the victories for the Clippers thus far, and with how many questions there were surrounding himself and Jordan Miller before the season, Coffey has been a great wing piece for a scrappy Clipper team. 

You can go down the list, with James Harden having very inefficient night while being under the weather, but still getting a double-double and 4 stocks (steals and blocks). Ivica Zubac was shut down offensively, but grabbed 17 rebounds to go along with 2 steals and a block.

That is the story of this 2024-2025 Clippers squad. Sure, Steph Curry can go for 26 points on 10/21 shooting, but this team can dig in defensively and make life hard for the others. There were 8 Warriors players that got minutes that scored single digits. 

Now, at 8-7, with two wins against the Golden State Warriors, the Clippers will look to continue their momentum as they finish out this home-stand. 

The Orlando Magic come to town red hot, and will take on the Clippers at Intuit Dome on Wednesday. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM PST.