If you turned off the TV during the fourth quarter of the latest Golden State Warriors vs Clippers game on January 5, 2026, you missed a complete meltdown. Honestly, it was one of those nights where the box score—a 103-102 Clippers win at the Intuit Dome—doesn't even begin to tell the real story. We aren't just talking about a close game. We are talking about Steve Kerr getting ejected, Steph Curry fouling out, and a blown goaltending call that's still making Dubs fans lose their minds on Reddit.
The Pacific Division has always been a bit of a meat grinder, but this year feels different. The Clippers are living in their shiny new arena, the Warriors are trying to squeeze one last drop of magic out of an aging core, and both teams are hovering right around that .500 mark. It’s desperate. It’s loud. And let’s be real, it’s kinda messy.
The Night the Intuit Dome Almost Exploded
Let’s set the scene. It’s January 5. The Warriors are down 78-74. Steph drives, gets hit, and floats the ball in. The whistle blows. Instead of an "And-1," the refs wave it off, claiming the foul happened before the shot. Steph is literally hopping in circles. Then, on the very next play, Gary Payton II goes up for what looks like a clear layup, only for John Collins to swat it away after it clearly hit the glass.
No whistle.
Steve Kerr absolutely lost it. He charged onto the court, screamed things that definitely weren't "happy new year," and got tossed. By the time the dust settled, the Clippers had picked up free points from the technicals, and the momentum was gone. The NBA later admitted the refs missed the goaltend, but that doesn't change the standings.
The Warriors are sitting at 21-19 as of mid-January. The Clippers? 16-23. Neither team is exactly "dominating" the West, which is why these head-to-head matchups feel like Game 7 of the Finals.
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Why the Clippers Roster Looks Like a "Best of 2018" Album
If you haven't looked at the Clippers' depth chart lately, prepare for a nostalgia trip. They’ve gone all-in on veteran star power.
- Kawhi Leonard: Still the anchor. He dropped 24 points and 12 boards in that January win.
- James Harden: The primary playmaker now. He’s 36 and slower, but his IQ is still off the charts.
- Chris Paul: Yeah, he’s back. In his 21st season, CP3 returned to the Clips before getting released in December, but his influence on the locker room still lingers.
- Bradley Beal: The "X-factor" who joined this past summer to give them a third scoring option.
- Brook Lopez: Providing the rim protection they’ve lacked for years.
It’s a fascinating experiment. They are old, sure. But they are also incredibly disciplined when Kawhi and Harden are clicking. The problem is health—it's always health with this group.
The Jonathan Kuminga Elephant in the Room
While the Clippers are leaning into the "old guard," the Golden State Warriors vs Clippers dynamic is being shifted by the youth movement—or lack thereof—in San Francisco.
Rumors are flying that Jonathan Kuminga is on his way out. As of January 15, 2026, sources like Shams Charania are reporting that the Warriors are "actively looking to move on" from the Kuminga situation. Teams like the Mavericks and Kings are sniffing around. The Dubs want expiring contracts. They don't want to get stuck with long-term salary unless it's for a legitimate superstar.
This matters for the Clippers rivalry because Kuminga was supposed to be the guy to bridge the gap between the Steph era and whatever comes next. Without him, the Warriors are basically relying on a 37-year-old Steph Curry and a 35-year-old Draymond Green to carry a roster that includes Al Horford (39!) and Jimmy Butler (36).
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Wait, did you catch that? Yes, Jimmy Butler is a Warrior now. He joined via trade from Miami back in February 2025. It’s a "win-now" roster that is currently struggling to stay in the top eight.
How to Beat the 2026 Warriors
Basically, if you're the Clippers, your blueprint is simple: make anyone other than Steph shoot. In that 103-102 loss, Steph had 27 points. The rest of the team struggled with efficiency. The Clippers used a rotation of Derrick Jones Jr. and Kawhi to harass Steph, and even though he's the greatest shooter ever, the fatigue shows in the fourth quarter when he’s the only one creating.
The Clippers have actually won 8 of the last 10 meetings against Golden State. That’s a stat that should scare Dub Nation. The "Little Brother" in LA has found a way to grind the Warriors' motion offense to a halt.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
People love to talk about the "Splash Brothers" legacy, but that era ended when Klay Thompson left. This isn't a shooting contest anymore. It’s a defensive slugfest.
The Clippers are currently ranked much higher in defensive efficiency than most people realize, especially with Ivica Zubac and Brook Lopez manning the paint. They want a slow, half-court game. The Warriors, conversely, are desperate to run but don't always have the legs for it anymore.
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When these two teams meet, the total score usually stays under the betting line. If you're looking for 140-138 highlights, you're looking at the wrong decade. This is about who can execute a pick-and-roll in the final two minutes without turning the ball over.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you are following the Golden State Warriors vs Clippers season series, keep these factors in mind:
- Watch the Injury Report for Back-to-Backs: Both these teams have the oldest average ages in the league. If Kawhi or Steph sits, the game plan changes entirely.
- The Home Court is Real: The Intuit Dome has a "Wall" of fans that is legitimately loud. The Warriors have struggled with the acoustics there compared to the old Staples Center.
- The Kuminga Trade Watch: If Golden State moves Kuminga for a veteran rim protector before the deadline, it completely changes how they match up against the Clippers' size (Zubac/Lopez).
- Live Betting the 4th Quarter: These games are almost always close. Look for the Warriors to make a "fake" comeback in the third, only for the Clippers' veteran poise to take over in the final minutes.
The next time these two face off, ignore the hype about the past championships. Look at the bench. Look at the refs. And most importantly, look at how many minutes Kawhi and Steph have played in the week leading up to the game. That’s where the winner is decided.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close eye on the NBA trade wire through the end of January. A single move involving Kuminga or a Clippers bench piece could tilt the balance of power in the West just as the playoff race heats up.