The Los Angeles Clippers pulled off a dramatic comeback against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, November 13, 2026, securing a 113-112 victory in an NBA Cup matchup at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
Brook Lopez and Darius Garland played central roles in the victory, combining for 50 points and helping Los Angeles overcome a six-point deficit in the closing minutes.
Despite an outstanding 40-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City suffered its third consecutive defeat.
The thrilling finish attracted significant attention from basketball fans, with the Clippers, Brook Lopez, and Darius Garland becoming major talking points.
Clippers vs. Thunder: Final Score and Game Summary
The Clippers established an early advantage before Oklahoma City fought its way back into the game.
Los Angeles entered halftime with a 57-44 lead. However, the Thunder responded with an impressive third-quarter performance, transforming a 13-point deficit into a two-point advantage.
| Quarter | Clippers | Thunder |
|---|---|---|
| First | 33 | 27 |
| Second | 24 | 17 |
| Third | 25 | 40 |
| Fourth | 31 | 28 |
| Final Score | 113 | 112 |
The game remained competitive throughout the final quarter, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
Brook Lopez Leads the Clippers With 26 Points
Brook Lopez delivered an important offensive performance, finishing as the Clippers’ leading scorer with 26 points.
His contributions were particularly valuable during the closing stages, when Los Angeles faced the possibility of another disappointing defeat.
With Oklahoma City leading by six points, Lopez scored two important baskets to narrow the deficit and put the Clippers within striking distance. The veteran center’s performance provided a reminder of the importance of experienced players in closely contested games.
Darius Garland Delivers the Game-Winning Play
Darius Garland was another standout performer, scoring 24 points for Los Angeles. His biggest contribution came with 50.4 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Garland completed a three-point play that gave the Clippers a 113-112 advantage. Neither team scored again before the final buzzer, making Garland’s contribution the decisive moment of the game.
His late-game execution completed a remarkable turnaround for Los Angeles and provided a significant boost for a team that had endured a challenging start to the season.
How the Clippers Completed Their Comeback
Oklahoma City appeared to be in a favorable position when it established a 112-106 lead with 2:43 remaining. However, the Thunder were unable to extend their advantage.
The Clippers responded by scoring seven consecutive points while preventing Oklahoma City from adding to its total. Lopez helped reduce the deficit before Garland delivered the decisive scoring play.
The comeback demonstrated how quickly momentum can change in basketball, especially during the final possessions of a close game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Scores 40 Points Despite Defeat
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander produced the game’s highest individual scoring total with 40 points. The Oklahoma City star repeatedly created offensive opportunities and helped the Thunder recover from their difficult first half.
However, his final opportunity to win the game ended in disappointment. Gilgeous-Alexander attempted a 21-foot jump shot as time expired, but the ball failed to find the basket. Despite his impressive performance, the Thunder were unable to secure the victory.
Clippers vs. Thunder: Key Player Statistics
Several players contributed significant performances during Friday night’s matchup.
| Player | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Thunder | 40 |
| Brook Lopez | Clippers | 26 |
| Darius Garland | Clippers | 24 |
| Jared McCain | Thunder | 23 |
| Isaiah Hartenstein | Thunder | 21 |
| Derrick Jones Jr. | Clippers | 14 |
| Keaton Wagler | Clippers | 14 |
| Gradey Dick | Clippers | 13 |
| Aday Mara | Thunder | 10 |
Isaiah Hartenstein also collected 16 rebounds, while Jared McCain made seven three-pointers from 11 attempts. Aday Mara contributed three blocks in addition to his 10 points.
Injury Problems Continue for Oklahoma City
The Thunder entered the matchup without several important players. Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Cason Wallace were among the unavailable players.
Their absences created additional challenges for Oklahoma City, particularly during a demanding stretch of away games.
Although the Thunder received strong contributions from Gilgeous-Alexander, McCain, and Hartenstein, they struggled to maintain their advantage during the final minutes.
The defeat marked Oklahoma City’s third consecutive loss during its four-game West Coast road trip.
Why Are the Clippers Trending?
The Clippers attracted attention following their dramatic victory over one of the NBA’s most competitive teams.
Several factors made the result particularly noteworthy:
- Brook Lopez’s 26-point performance.
- Darius Garland’s decisive three-point play.
- The Clippers’ recovery from a late six-point deficit.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40-point performance.
- Oklahoma City’s missed opportunity at the final buzzer.
The combination of individual achievements and a dramatic finish made the matchup one of Friday night’s most notable NBA Cup games.
What Does the Result Mean for Both Teams?
The victory improved the Clippers’ overall record to 3-8, while Oklahoma City dropped to 8-5. Both teams now hold a 1-1 record in NBA Cup competition.
For Los Angeles, the result represents an encouraging development after opening the regular season with just one win in eight games.
Oklahoma City, meanwhile, will look to recover from its recent defeats while managing the absence of several key players.
The Clippers are scheduled to host the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, November 15, while the Thunder will face the Sacramento Kings.
Elsewhere in the NBA Cup, Draymond Green’s flagrant foul on Victor Wembanyama sparked controversy during the San Antonio Spurs’ dominant 123-85 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
Elsewhere in the NBA Cup, Draymond Green’s flagrant foul on Victor Wembanyama sparked controversy during the San Antonio Spurs’ dominant 123-85 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
Final Thoughts
The Clippers vs. Thunder matchup provided a memorable example of how a basketball game can be decided in its final moments.
Brook Lopez and Darius Garland combined for 50 points, helping Los Angeles overcome Oklahoma City’s late advantage.
Although Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an exceptional individual performance, the Clippers demonstrated greater effectiveness during the decisive possessions.
The 113-112 victory gives Los Angeles valuable momentum as the NBA regular season and NBA Cup competition continue.
