By Harshit
SAN FRANCISCO, JANUARY 6 —
The Los Angeles Clippers seized control of their road matchup against the Golden State Warriors with a commanding third-quarter surge, turning a tightly contested first half into a double-digit advantage that left the home side searching for answers at the Chase Center.
Behind efficient ball movement, interior dominance, and timely scoring from Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers steadily widened the gap after halftime, neutralizing Golden State’s early momentum and dictating the pace of play through the penultimate quarter.
Early Balance Gives Way to Clippers Control
Golden State opened the night with confidence, briefly taking the lead behind early involvement from Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. However, Los Angeles quickly stabilized, matching energy with discipline and forcing the Warriors into tougher looks.
By halftime, the Clippers had edged ahead 55–51, capitalizing on interior finishes and second-chance opportunities while keeping Golden State’s perimeter game in check.
Third Quarter Turns the Game
The decisive stretch came after the break. Los Angeles elevated its defensive intensity and repeatedly punished Golden State in transition and inside the paint. Ivica Zubac dominated around the rim, while crisp passing opened lanes for uncontested finishes.
Golden State, meanwhile, struggled to convert from deep and failed to slow the Clippers’ rhythm, allowing the visitors to build a cushion that proved difficult to erase.
By the end of the third quarter, Los Angeles held a 73–62 lead, firmly in control of the contest.
Warriors vs Clippers — Minute-by-Minute Game Flow
First Quarter
12:00 – Opening tip at Chase Center.
10:24 – Draymond Green misses a potential three as teams trade early possessions.
8:53 – Curry finishes off a Green assist to give Golden State a brief edge.
End 1Q: Warriors narrowly ahead after a balanced opening stretch.
Second Quarter
10:52 – Nicolas Batum finds John Collins for a key Clippers three.
8:48 – Defensive sequence from Gary Payton II halts a Zubac dunk attempt.
6:09 – Al Horford drills a three off a De’Anthony Melton assist.
4:23 – Jimmy Butler III scores following a sharp pass from Will Richard.
2:04 – Curry converts a layup as the Warriors push back.
Halftime: Clippers lead 55–51.
Third Quarter
12:00 – Second half begins with heightened tempo.
10:45 – Draymond Green misses from deep as momentum starts shifting.
8:36 – Kobe Sanders throws down a dunk off a Kris Dunn assist.
6:30 – Zubac finishes a powerful dunk to extend the Clippers’ lead.
4:40 – Sanders adds another basket after Brook Lopez draws attention inside.
2:17 – Kawhi Leonard converts a fast-break layup off a Sanders feed.
End 3Q: Clippers lead 73–62, firmly in control.
What the Result Signals
The Clippers’ ability to take over the third quarter underscored their depth, composure, and interior presence, especially critical with multiple rotation players unavailable. For Golden State, the game exposed scoring droughts and defensive lapses that disrupted their otherwise strong recent run.
With the season moving deeper into conference positioning battles, execution in these middle quarters is increasingly decisive.