The LA Clippers entered Monday night's game against the Golden State Warriors hoping to win their second consecutive game. However, more importantly, the Clippers were preparing for the debut of new guard Darius Garland.
Acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers at the NBA trade deadline in a blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to the Cavs, Garland has been out since January 16 with a sprained right toe. After undergoing evaluation with his new team, the Clippers decided to hold Darius Garland out during the 2025 offseason due to some residual pain in his surgically repaired left foot.
The Clippers only had two games in the last week of February, giving them three practice days. Those days were used to scrimmage and push forward Darius Garland into five-on-five action with his new teammates.
With 3:20 remaining in the first half of his first game with the Clippers, Darius Garland came off the bench and scored his first bucket. Pull-up three-pointer Going left.
Darius Garland's first basket as a member of the LA Clippers. pic.twitter.com/sMRLqhLBKg
- Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) 3 March 2026
Garland finished the first half with five points, one assist and three turnovers, while shooting 1-of-3 from the field, all three-pointers and 2-of-2 from the free throw line.
The Warriors led 56-42 at halftime. Brandin Podziemski led the way for the Warriors with 20 points, four rebounds and one assist on 8 of 12 shooting from the field. Moses Moody was the only other player in the game in double-figure scoring with 10 points.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with eight points, five rebounds and two assists, while Kris Dunn added seven points and three rebounds.
