Clippers vs Warriors Recap: Warriors Assert Defensive Mastery, Break Series Curse with 98-79 Triumph
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| Clippers vs Warriors Recap |
The Golden State Warriors delivered a resounding message at Chase Center, ending a seven-game losing streak against the Los Angeles Clippers with a statement 98-79 win on October 28, 2025. In a game packed with drama, strategic adjustments, and star power, the Warriors overcame an early deficit, relied on a full-team defensive masterclass, and showcased why they’re forcefully entrenched as Western Conference contenders.
First Half – Clippers Strike, Warriors Respond
With James Harden in rhythm early, the Clippers managed to outpace the Warriors in the first half. Harden’s 20-point blitz led a furious second-quarter charge and, with Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac supporting, Los Angeles surged to a 49-46 halftime lead. Harden’s deep three in the closing seconds capped a 24-6 run, silencing the home crowd and setting the stage for what looked like another classic Clippers win at Chase Center.
Defensive Transformation – Warriors Shift Momentum
The second half belonged entirely to the Warriors. Lifted by the defensive leadership of Draymond Green and a revitalized tactical energy, Golden State held the explosive Clippers offense to just 30 points, including a suffocating stretch in the third and fourth quarters. Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler nailed crucial threes, sparking a 10-2 run that flipped momentum and built a 15-point lead entering the final frame.
Both Curry and Butler – who combined for 40 points – excelled, but it was the synergy across the lineup that defined the night, as described by Steph Curry:
“This is high-IQ basketball. We know myself and Jimmy will try to get us organized on the offensive end, and get us good shot creation. Draymond, on both ends of the floor, and especially quarterbacking our defense... Everybody that’s out there understands patterns and the energy that we’re trying to play with, good things happen.”
Key Highlights & Stats
Jimmy Butler: 21 points (9/12 FG), 5 rebounds, 5 assists — clutch shooting and timely threes.
Stephen Curry: 19 points (7/15 FG), 8 assists — orchestrated offense, late-game energy surge.
Moses Moody / Brandin Podziemski: Combined for 21 points, high defensive impact.
Draymond Green: 7 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals — backbone of defensive rotations.
Clippers Stars: Harden (20 points) excelled early, but went scoreless in the second half; Leonard (18 points) and Zubac (14 pts, 13 rebs) faded as Warriors clamped down defensively.
Team Statistics:
Warriors: 39/86 FG (45.3%), 17/45 3PT (37.8%), 24 assists, 49 rebounds, 11 steals
Clippers: 30/82 FG (36.6%), 6/33 3PT (18.2%), just 10 assists, 54 rebounds, 7 steals
Turning Point: Third-Quarter Run
Midway through the third quarter, the Warriors’ switch from switching defense to pressure traps frustrated Harden and Leonard, while Moses Moody’s three-point shooting widened the gap. Clippers’ poor perimeter efficiency (just 18.2% from three) turned their offense cold at the worst time.
Drama & Fan Reactions
The Chase Center crowd lit up as Curry buried a deep three, followed by Butler’s energetic celebration after a late third-quarter dagger. Social media trended with NBA stars and commentators praising Golden State’s “defensive masterclass” and “championship poise.” Warriors fans were especially vocal, noting team resilience on the second night of a back-to-back — a point Curry mentioned in postgame remarks.
What It Means – Legacy, Standings, Next Steps
Warriors snapped both a seven-game and home losing streak to the Clippers, improving to 3-0 at home and securing their third spot in the conference.
Clippers, despite strong rebounding, must address second-half scoring woes and long-range inefficiency if they want to compete at the highest level.
Up next, Warriors travel to Milwaukee aiming to extend their run; Clippers host New Orleans hoping to recapture lost momentum.