The Golden State Warriors eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers 126-121 on Wednesday night in the play-in tournament. The result ended another season for a franchise that blew a 13-point fourth-quarter lead and watched Stephen Curry put a dagger through their playoff hopes.
Nobody seemed to enjoy it more than Chris Paul.
Shortly after the final buzzer, the recently retired 12-time All-Star posted a meme to his Instagram story that the internet understood immediately. The image, rooted in a viral moment from 2015, shows a man dressed in a suit at a funeral service. The meaning behind it is well known enough that no further explanation was needed. The message was clear.
Why Paul Posted It
GettyFormer Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul.
The history between Paul and the Clippers this season was messy. He signed a one-year deal with Los Angeles last offseason, returning to the franchise where he spent six seasons in his prime and became the all-time assists leader. The expectation was that he would serve as a veteran presence on a team coming off a 50-win campaign.
It fell apart quickly. Paul appeared in just 16 games before being abruptly sent home by the organization in early December amid a dismal 5-16 start. Reports detailed growing tensions between Paul and the franchise over his role, his level of input, and his relationship with coach Tyronn Lue. He averaged 2.9 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 rebounds during his brief stint.
Paul was later traded to the Toronto Raptors ahead of February’s trade deadline and waived shortly after. He retired on February 13, his farewell tour cut short by the very franchise he helped build. The dismissal stung.
The Clippers recovered after his departure and climbed into playoff contention, earning the right to host Wednesday’s play-in game. That made the ending even sweeter for Paul.
What the Loss Means for the Clippers
The defeat stings beyond just a missed playoff berth. Los Angeles led for roughly 85 percent of Wednesday’s game and still could not close it out. A 13-point fourth-quarter lead evaporated as Curry, Horford, and a Warriors team written off by most of the basketball world refused to fold.
The Clippers also owe their unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the Paul George trade, meaning they will not receive a lottery pick despite missing the playoffs. The NBA is also investigating the franchise over its handling of Kawhi Leonard’s availability this season, which could bring further consequences.
It has been a difficult year in Inglewood. Paul made sure everyone knew he noticed.
Final Word
For Golden State, Paul’s reaction is a footnote to a night that belonged entirely to Curry and the Warriors. The season continues. Phoenix is next on Friday.
For the Clippers, a franchise with a roster built to compete, Wednesday night was another chapter in a story that has yet to deliver what their fanbase has been waiting for.
Chris Paul has been waiting a long time to say what he said Wednesday night. The Warriors gave him the perfect opportunity.
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