Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Clippers make NBA history with remarkable turnaround

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Apr 13, 2026 2:22 PM ET

A team that started the season with big expectations and a veteran group of future Hall of Famers finishing as the No. 9 seed is disappointing.

However, the Los Angeles Clippers even being in the play-in tournament is actually an historic turn around based on where they were early in the season.

The Clippers concluded the regular season at 42-40, becoming the first NBA team to ever finish above .500 after being 15 games below .500 at any point in that season (the Clippers were 6-21 after a loss on Dec. 18, 2025).

Clippers exceeded Tyron Lue's hopes after falling to 6-21 in December

Los Angeles even exceeded the expectations of Clippers head coach Tyron Lue, who publicly stated their main goal was to be 35-20 throughout the rest of the season during a late December talk with the media.

HISTORIC TURNAROUND FOR THE CLIPPERS!

When the Clippers were 6-21 on December 20, Ty Lue, ahead of a game against the Lakers, told the media, "Our main focus is to try to be 35-20 the rest of the way."

The rest of the way, Los Angeles went 36-19, becoming the first team in NBA… pic.twitter.com/sE0oNY0Z2H
— NBA (@NBA) April 13, 2026

The Clippers went 36-19 after the 6-21 start to salvage what they could from the season.

They were also able to stay afloat despite trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in deal more about his future contract than how the team was performing - the Clippers were in the midst of winning 17 out of 22 games at the time of the trade.

Kawhi Leonard led the way with one of the best seasons of his career

Led by Kawhi Leonard, who put together one of the best individual seasons of his career with averages of 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 50.5 percent from the field in 65 games, Los Angeles has a shot at making the true postseason field.

The Clippers will meet the No. 10 seeded Golden State Warriors on Wednesday in the play-in tournament for the right to play one more game before earning a place in the playoffs.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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