This is it. Everything now comes down to the final matchup before the postseason kicks off. Sunday will decide where the Golden State Warriors and the LA Clippers stand. One miss from either side would lead to a seat in the play-in. And surely, both teams would want to avoid that in any situation. But whoever wins would get a playoff spot, and that is the sole target. Meanwhile, Steve Kerr seems to be cautious about two Clippers stars, and to be honest, he should be.

Speaking to the media after winning the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, the 59-year-old veteran coach shared his honest thoughts ahead of Sunday’s big night. Winning 103-86 vs. the Blazers is giving them hope that a playoff spot is possible. But at the same time, the Clippers won 101-100 vs. the Sacramento Kings on Friday. Therefore, the two teams now have their fates on the same tightrope.

The Warriors haven’t played the Clippers since December 2024. Yet, Kerr claims he knows the team and their nerves. Steve Kerr admitted: “Yeah, we know them well. They’re a great team, a great two-way team. I think they added to their team at the trade deadline, and they’re playing at a really high level right now. I think they’re one of the best teams in the league, so we’ve got to go out and play a good game to get them.”

As previously mentioned by Ty Lue, the LA Clippers want to maintain their defensive identity. But at the same time, their offense is top-notch. They have players like Ivica Zubac, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden taking the lead. At the same time, they’ve not met the Warriors’ Jimmy Butler yet. So, Coach Kerr said: “They haven’t seen Jimmy. It’s a very different game, but they pose a lot of threats. I think Zubac is one of the best centers in the league, and James Harden is still James Harden. He makes everybody better. Their defense has been consistent all year, top five. They’re a formidable team.”

The Clippers are one of the most well-balanced in the league now. They’re effective on both sides of the court. Most importantly, their defense is something that could trouble the Dubs on Sunday. Zu, Harden, and Leonard’s deadly trio, their stats and records in the recent games should add to Kerr’s worries. But then, this is the dynastic Golden State Warriors we’re talking about.

Going back to the 2021-22 season, who would’ve thought they’d win the championship? It was the Phoenix Suns’ year, yet Stephen Curry and Co. snatched away their win. So, anything is possible in this league. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers head coach, Ty Lue, has sent a strong message to his locker room. The Dubs need to clinch that spot in the playoff, but then why should LA stay back?

Ty Lue sends a message to the Clippers locker room amidst Steve Kerr’s honest confessions

The LA Clippers won 49 games this season. This team of April 2025 has evolved from what it was in October or November 2024. Most critics didn’t believe that they could function without Paul George, especially because Kawhi Leonard was also away due to his injury. James Harden was the only beacon of hope. But Ty Lue and his perfectionist mindset changed the scene once the Klaw came back. He build the trio of Zubac-Leonard-Harden that ultimately helped them emerge as the top teams in the West.

But now, going into Sunday’s big game night, the head coach has a message for his teams. He said: “Win 49 games, and if you don’t win Sunday, you’ve got a chance to be seventh. We just have to keep scrapping and keep competing, one game at a time. It is what it is, but you never think you’d win 49 games and still be in the play-in. It is what it is.”

Ty Lue is expressing disbelief that despite winning 49 games—a strong regular season record—the Clippers could still end up in the play-in tournament if they lose on Sunday. He thus emphasized the importance of staying focused, taking things one game at a time, and continuing to fight, even though the situation feels unfair.

Steve Kerr knows the danger lurking in the Clippers’ trio, while Ty Lue can’t believe 49 wins still leave room for doubt. Yet here they are—two master tacticians, one final test. Sunday won’t just be a game; it’ll be a chess match with playoff fate on the line.