James Harden scored 39 points as the Clippers beat Golden State 124-119 in overtime and secured the Western Conference’s fifth seed.
The defeat dropped the Warriors into the play-in tournament.
Harden takes over in overtime
Harden hit consecutive three-pointers in the extra period, added two free throws and scored again on a goaltending call against Jimmy Butler.
He also finished with ten assists and seven rebounds. Kawhi Leonard scored 33 with seven assists and three steals, while Ivica Zubac added 22 points and 17 rebounds.
The Clippers outrebounded Golden State by 17 and survived a final three-point attempt from Buddy Hield.
Curry scores 36 but loses late possession
Stephen Curry scored 36 points, with 21 coming in the fourth quarter and overtime despite playing with his right thumb taped.
His three-pointer pulled Golden State closer with 2:06 remaining, but two defenders forced a turnover on the next possession. Butler finished with 30 points and nine assists.
Warriors fall into the play-in
The Clippers closed the regular season 50-32 after eight consecutive wins and earned a first-round series against the Denver Nuggets.
Golden State slipped to seventh and had to enter the play-in tournament, a competition the franchise had never won.
“We’ve still got an opportunity and we control our own fate,” Butler said. “We’re going to be just fine.”
Minnesota claimed sixth place at 49-33, while Denver, the Clippers and Lakers all finished with 50 wins.
