Warriors Dominate Clippers with Strong Third Quarter, Butler Reaches Milestone

The Golden State Warriors cruised to a 98-79 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, bolstered by strong performances from Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. The Warriors controlled the game with a dominant 32-14 third-quarter surge, taking command after a tight first half. While the game saw another solid effort from the team, it wasn’t without a bit of humor, as a Steve Kerr lookalike managed to briefly distract the coach during the contest.

With Curry and Butler leading the way, the Warriors extended their strong start to the 2025-26 season, moving to 4-1. Butler’s all-around performance included a milestone, as he scored his 16,000th career point. Despite the victory, the game was marred by a shooting slump for the Clippers, who struggled to find their rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc.

As the Warriors remain focused on maintaining their early-season momentum, the next challenge will come quickly, with a matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on the horizon. Still, the team’s victory over the Clippers highlighted their depth and ability to take control when needed, especially in the second half.

The Warriors’ victory was also marked by contributions from several other players, showcasing their depth. Quinten Post, starting in place of an injured teammate, matched up well with Ivica Zubac, scoring 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting from three. Off the bench, Brandin Podziemski provided 12 points, while Draymond Green filled the stat sheet with seven points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Jonathan Kuminga also had a solid outing, adding nine points and five rebounds. The balanced contributions from across the roster were key to the Warriors’ dominant second half and helped seal the win, highlighting their strength in both starting and reserve units.

1. Warriors’ Strong Third Quarter Drives Victory

The Warriors turned a close game into a blowout with an explosive 32-14 third-quarter run that left the Clippers struggling to keep up. After a relatively tight first half, Golden State came out with intensity in the third, taking charge behind the scoring of Curry and Butler. Butler, who finished with 21 points on 9-12 shooting, also contributed five rebounds and five assists, furthering his impact on both ends of the floor. Curry added 19 points and eight assists, helping to orchestrate the Warriors’ offense and pushing the team’s lead to a comfortable margin. The Warriors’ ability to dominate in the second half was key to their success, as they outpaced the Clippers both offensively and defensively. Golden State’s defense held the Clippers to just 36.6% shooting from the field, and they limited them to only six successful three-pointers on 33 attempts. While the third-quarter surge was the defining moment, the Warriors’ all-around effort was evident throughout the game. Players like Quinten Post and Brandin Podziemski also stepped up, contributing valuable minutes and scoring. This balance between the starting lineup and bench players has been a significant factor in Golden State’s early-season success. The Warriors’ ability to dominate the second half reflects their championship pedigree, showing that they can turn a close contest into a commanding win when needed. The impressive third-quarter performance gives the team confidence as they continue to build momentum in the early stages of the season.

2. A Funny Distraction for Kerr and the Warriors

The game wasn’t without its lighter moments, as a fan who closely resembled head coach Steve Kerr briefly distracted the Warriors’ bench during the contest. Wearing a No. 23 Chicago Bulls jersey, the fan walked toward the Warriors’ bench, holding a drink in hand, and briefly caught the attention of Kerr, who appeared confused by the situation. The fan’s antics drew amused looks from the Warriors players and fans, with the lookalike eventually being shown on the arena’s big screen, clearly enjoying his moment of fame. While the fan’s stunt was lighthearted, it added a bit of humor to an otherwise focused performance from the Warriors. Kerr, who is known for his composed demeanor, was momentarily thrown off by the fan’s antics, but quickly refocused as his team continued to assert control over the game. The distraction, though brief, provided a moment of levity during an otherwise dominant performance by Golden State. For the Warriors, the unexpected interruption didn’t slow their momentum. The team quickly regained focus, with Curry, Butler, and the rest of the squad continuing to build on their lead. The incident, while amusing, didn’t impact the team’s game plan, as Golden State cruised to victory. This light-hearted moment served as a reminder of the unpredictability of an NBA season, where even a playful distraction can momentarily shift focus before the action quickly returns to the court. Kerr’s ability to stay composed, despite the surprise, reflects his leadership and focus on the bigger picture.

3. Clippers Struggle With Shooting, Harden and Leonard Lead the Way

For the Clippers, the loss was largely a result of their struggles on the offensive end. Despite strong performances from James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, the team couldn’t find a rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc. Harden finished with 20 points and four rebounds, while Leonard added 18 points and five rebounds. However, the Clippers’ shooting woes were evident throughout the game. The team shot just 36.6% from the field, and their three-point shooting was even worse, converting only six of 33 attempts. The Warriors’ defense, led by Draymond Green and others, made it difficult for the Clippers to get clean looks, forcing contested shots and disrupting their offensive flow. While Leonard and Harden did what they could, the rest of the team struggled to contribute offensively. The Clippers’ poor shooting, combined with Golden State’s offensive firepower, left them with little chance of staying in the game. Despite the efforts of their two stars, the Clippers were outpaced and outplayed in the second half. Their inability to find offensive consistency ultimately sealed their fate in the loss. As the Clippers look to rebound, addressing their shooting struggles will be a primary focus. The team’s inability to convert from deep was a major factor in the defeat, and it’s an area they will need to improve if they hope to compete with the top teams in the West.