Clippers hold on as Curry fouls out, Butler misses at the buzzer

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — There was a moment Monday night at Intuit Dome when the soundtrack told the story better than the box score.

Not once, but twice, “Bye Bye Bye” by *NSYNC blasted through the arena speakers — and no, it had nothing to do with Justin Timberlake being in the building. This was about farewell gestures aimed squarely at the Golden State Warriors. First, head coach Steve Kerr. Then, not long after, Stephen Curry.

In a 103–102 Clippers win that felt more like a playoff gut check than a January game, the music hit differently because the timing was perfect.

The Clippers survived. Barely. And in the process, they reminded everyone that this team — even shorthanded — has developed a habit of finding ways to win.

Golden State came in swinging, but the drama ramped up late. After Kerr was ejected during a heated fourth-quarter sequence, the Clippers capitalized on the emotional swing. Then, with under a minute left, Curry was whistled for his sixth foul on Ivica Zubac, sending the Warriors’ heartbeat to the bench. Cue NSYNC. Again.

The final possession belonged to Jimmy Butler, who had been a steady force all night. But his fadeaway jumper at the buzzer was an air-ball, sealing a one-point Clippers victory that felt larger than the standings might suggest.

And make no mistake — this one nearly slipped away.

The Clippers led by as many as 14 early and were still up 13 with 4:47 left in the fourth quarter. Then Curry reminded everyone why he’s Curry. Two deep three-pointers in the final two minutes cut the lead to 101–100, sending the Intuit Dome into a mix of nerves and disbelief. The Warriors were suddenly alive, and the Clippers were scrambling.

But when Curry fouled out moments later, the balance tipped back. Golden State never recovered.

What made the win more impressive was who wasn’t on the floor. James Harden missed the game with right shoulder soreness, yet the Clippers didn’t flinch. This was a collective effort — their seventh win in the last eight games — built on balance, toughness, and just enough shot-making.

All five starters scored in double figures.

Kawhi Leonard led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds in 38 minutes, even while enduring a brutal shooting night from deep (0-for-8 from three). It didn’t matter. Leonard controlled the game everywhere else.

Kobe Sanders delivered one of his most impactful performances of the season, pouring in 20 points and grabbing seven rebounds in 36 minutes. John Collins added 18 points, providing timely scoring when the offense stalled.

Zubac, starting in place of Brook Lopez, was steady and physical. His 10 points and 11 rebounds don’t fully capture his influence — especially considering the foul that ultimately ended Curry’s night came at his expense.

Golden State had its chances. Curry finished with 27 points, six assists, and four rebounds in 33 minutes, but efficiency wasn’t on his side. He shot just 4-for-15 from beyond the arc, and the Warriors as a team went a frigid 10-for-41 (24.4%) from three.

Draymond Green didn’t help that cause, missing all six of his three-point attempts. He did finish with 12 assists, but his six points underscored Golden State’s offensive struggles. Butler added 24 points and six rebounds, but the last shot — the one that mattered — wouldn’t fall.

The Clippers dominated early, lost control late, and still walked away with the win — even as three-point underdogs, according to the ESPN Bet app.

It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t perfect. But it was resilient.

Now, at 13–22, the Clippers pack their bags and head east, carrying momentum and confidence to Madison Square Garden. They’ll face the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, riding a stretch that’s quietly becoming one of the most encouraging runs of their season.

And somewhere in the back of everyone’s mind at Intuit Dome, NSYNC might still be playing.