Warriors and 76ers Storm Into the Playoffs: Two Play-In Thrillers Define the 2026 Postseason Opening

The NBA's Play-In Tournament delivered exactly what it promised on April 16, 2026: chaos, clutch moments, and two teams punching their tickets to the first round with dramatic victories. The Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers both survived elimination games in SoFi to keep their seasons alive.

Curry Goes Nuclear, Warriors Erase 13-Point Hole

Stephen Curry reminded everyone why he's one of the most dangerous scorers in the league, dropping 35 points to lead the Warriors' improbable comeback over the Clippers. Golden State was down 13 points with 9:53 left on the clock, facing real elimination. But the Warriors closed the door with a 16-5 run to steal a 126-121 victory and advance in the SoFi Play-In Tournament. It's the kind of finish that either breaks your heart or sends you into playoffs with serious confidence. For Warriors fans, it's the latter.

Maxey and the 76ers Lock Down the 7th Seed

Over in the Eastern Conference, Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia past the Magic with a 31-point performance to clinch the 7th seed and secure a date with the Celtics in the first round. The 76ers won 109-97 in a game that sent them chasing history. They're ready to challenge Boston, and if Maxey plays like this in the postseason, the Celtics better be ready.

What's Next

The 2026 playoffs are officially here, and these two victories set the tone for what looks like a wild postseason. Both the Warriors and 76ers proved they belong in this tournament, no matter how they got there.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.