The Golden State Warriors were unable to secure an automatic playoff spot after suffering a heartbreaking 119-124 overtime for the Los Angeles Clippers in the regular season finale.
This catastrophic defeat means the Warriors have to navigate a now-risking play-in tournament, where they face the eighth seeded Memphis Grizzlies.
Against the Clippers, the Warriors won within their grasp, leading 111-107 in just two minutes in the fourth quarter.
Stephen Curry provided yet another epic clutch performance, finishing at a game-high 36 points to lead the Galdine State score.
A disaster struck when Golden State appeared to close the playoff berth. The Warriors violated consecutive sales in the closing minutes, allowing the Clippers to tie the game and force them out of hours.
In the extra period, James Harden took full control and scored 12 of the Clippers’ 13 overtime points, securing the Los Angeles Clippers the fifth seed in the Western Conference.
The Clippers face the fourth seeded Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs.
Failure to secure a direct playoff spot caused an immediate backlash on social media, with fans highlighting some obvious issues regarding team composition and coaching decisions.
Many pointed to the lack of size in the Golden State on the front court, as they played with Draymond Green at the center.
This little ball approach worked throughout the season, but proved miserable against Clippers centre Ivica Zubac, who ruled with 22 points and 17 rebounds.
“The lack of a big man + the lack of another ball hander/scorer. The issue of roster will always expand when the game is most important.”
Criticism also targeted head coach Steve Kerr for some suspicious rotation options. The decision to play Gary Payton II in the closing lineup particularly attracted fan rage.
Despite playing 24 minutes in obvious attempts to strengthen defense, Payton managed just two points, becoming offensive responsibility when the Warriors needed to score the most.
Perhaps most of the baffling was Carr’s decision to put the game into Buddy Heald’s hands for final ownership of the Warriors.
It wasn’t Curry, who won the final Golden State shot over time, as the team fell three points and had the opportunity to force a second overtime.
It turns out that some optimistic fans have potential positive fans in the defeat. By participating in the Play-In Tournament, the Warriors avoid a direct first-round matchup between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
If Golden State is able to defeat the Grizzlies in the play-in game, they will instead face the second seed Houston Rocket in the first round.
However, for teams with championship aspirations, this path has become quite challenging. The Warriors now have to face the shocking reality of either joining the playoffs or missing out on the postseason altogether.