Curry Stuns Clippers, Sixers Secure Seventh Seed in Play-In Thrillers

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PHILADELPHIA / INGLEWOOD — The second night of the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament delivered exactly what fans were hoping for: high-stakes drama, a vintage superstar performance, and a definitive end to the bracket’s “waiting game.” As of Wednesday night, the 76ers have punched their ticket to the playoffs, while the Warriors sent the Clippers home for the season.

West: Curry’s 35 Powers Warriors Over Clippers, 126–121

In the first postseason game ever held at the Intuit Dome, Stephen Curry made sure the housewarming party belonged to Golden State. In a classic “9 vs. 10” elimination game, the Golden State Warriors outlasted the LA Clippers 126–121, behind a vintage 35-point performance from their franchise icon.

Curry connected on seven 3-pointers, including a dagger from the logo late in the fourth quarter that silenced the home crowd. The Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard, fought back from a double-digit deficit in the third, but the Warriors’ championship DNA surfaced in the closing minutes.

The Result: The Clippers are officially eliminated from the postseason. For a veteran-heavy squad that entered the year with title aspirations, the summer will likely bring major questions about their roster construction.
What’s Next: The Warriors advance to the Friday night “winner-take-all” game. They will travel to Phoenix to face the Suns for the Western Conference’s final playoff spot (#8 seed).

East: Sixers Handle Magic to Clinch #7 Seed, 109–97

The Philadelphia 76ers are officially back in the dance. Behind a dominant defensive effort and a balanced scoring attack, Philly defeated the Orlando Magic 109–97 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

The Sixers took control early, suffocating Orlando’s young shooters and forcing 18 turnovers. While the Magic’s top-ranked defense kept them within striking distance for three quarters, they simply couldn’t find enough offense to match Philadelphia’s veteran poise.

The Reward: Philadelphia clinches the #7 seed and sets up a heavyweight first-round matchup against the Boston Celtics.
Second Chance: The Magic fall to the Friday bracket. They will host the Charlotte Hornets (who eliminated Miami on Tuesday) in a battle for the East’s final playoff spot.

2026 Play-In Results & Friday Schedule

Game	Result	Status
[8] Magic vs. [7] 76ers	76ers 109, Magic 97	Sixers Clinch #7 Seed
[10] Warriors vs. [9] Clippers	Warriors 126, Clippers 121	Clippers Eliminated
[9] Hornets @ [8] Magic	Friday, April 17	Winner gets #8 seed
[9] Warriors @ [7] Suns	Friday, April 17	Winner gets #8 seed

The Bottom Line: With the 7-seeds officially decided, all eyes turn to Friday night. Two spots remain, four teams are left standing, and the pressure has never been higher. The quest for the #8 seed begins tomorrow.