Harden, Leonard lead Clippers past Warriors 124-119 in OT to secure fifth seed in West playoffs

The Los Angeles Clippers triumphed over the Golden State Warriors in a riveting overtime match, winning 124-119 and securing the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. James Harden delivered a standout performance, scoring 39 points and dishing out 10 assists, while Kawhi Leonard added 33 points to the scoreboard. The game unfolded dramatically, with Harden hitting crucial 3-pointers in overtime and converting key free throws. Stephen Curry, who scored 36 points for the Warriors, made a late 3-pointer but suffered a critical turnover shortly after. Jimmy Butler also played a significant role for the Warriors, contributing 30 points and nine assists.

The defeat means the Warriors will enter a play-in game against Memphis, where Curry and Butler will need to lead their team. Meanwhile, the Clippers are set to face the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs, highlighting their strong finish to the regular season. This matchup underscores the competitive nature of the Western Conference as teams vie for playoff positioning.