The Los Angeles Clippers secured a playoff spot by defeating the Golden State Warriors in a crucial game that determined the seeding in the Western Conference. The Clippers’ victory placed them at the No. 5 seed, while the Warriors dropped to No. 7 and will now face Memphis for a chance at the No. 7 seed. James Harden’s stellar performance with 39 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds propelled the Clippers to their eighth consecutive win and a 50-32 record.
The Western Conference playoff bracket saw last-minute changes as the Denver Nuggets clinched the No. 4 seed, ensuring home-court advantage against the Clippers. The Los Angeles Lakers, Nuggets, and Clippers all finished with identical records, but the Clippers secured the No. 3 seed with a tiebreaker.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves secured the No. 6 seed, avoiding a potential drop to eighth place. Anthony Edwards’ 43-point game emphasized the team’s desire to skip the play-in tournament and enter the playoffs fully prepared.
In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics hold the top two seeds, awaiting the results of the play-in games. The New York Knicks will face the Detroit Pistons, while the Indiana Pacers will meet the Milwaukee Bucks. The Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks will battle for a chance to face the Celtics, with the loser getting another opportunity against the winner of the Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat game.
The stage is set for an exciting NBA postseason as teams gear up for intense matchups and a shot at advancing in the playoffs.
