The Clippers and Timberwolves secured direct playoff berths in a wild Western Conference finish Sunday. James Harden’s 39-point OT masterpiece lifted LA past Golden State 124-119, earning the 5th seed and a Nuggets matchup while relegating the Warriors to the play-in.
Anthony Edwards’ 43-point outburst against Utah locked Minnesota into 6th, setting up a Lakers series.
Denver claimed the 4th seed (126-111 over Houston) amid front-office turmoil, gaining home-court against the Clippers.
The Warriors (7th) now face Memphis, with the winner advancing to face OKC. Sacramento and Dallas battle in the 9-10 elimination game.
East matchups were already set, with Cleveland and Boston awaiting play-in survivors. New York faces Detroit, while Indiana meets Milwaukee in the other East series. Orlando hosts Atlanta in Tuesday’s 7-8 play-in clash.
