The 2019 Western Conference Finals Run to Game 6
The 2019 Clippers: A first-round fight that went the distance.
In 2019, the Los Angeles Clippers made a memorable first-round playoff exit against the Golden State Warriors, pushing the defending champions to six games in a series that showcased the team's grit and resilience.
Quick Facts
- Season context
- First-round playoff exit; Clippers lost to the Golden State Warriors 4-2 in the first round
Lore & Background
The franchise was founded as the Buffalo Braves in 1970 as an expansion team. Led by Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo, the Braves reached the NBA playoffs three times during their eight seasons in Buffalo. Conflicts with the Canisius Golden Griffins over Buffalo Memorial Auditorium and the sale of the franchise led to their relocation from Buffalo to San Diego, California, in 1978 and subsequent rebranding as the San Diego Clippers, in reference to the sailing ships seen in San Diego Bay. The team saw little success on the court and missed the playoffs during all six of their years in San Diego. In 1984, owner Donald Sterling controversially relocated the franchise to Los Angeles without NBA approval, which was permitted following legal action between the league and Sterling. Over the course of their first 27 seasons in Los Angeles, the Clippers qualified for the postseason only four times and won a single playoff round. As a result, they have been frequently described as a perennial loser in American professional sports, drawing unfavorable comparisons to the historically successful Lakers. The Clippers' reputation improved during the 2010s, which saw them transform into consistent postseason contenders. Aided by the Lob City lineup of Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and Chris Paul, the team qualified for the playoffs in six consecutive seasons from 2012 to 2017 and won two consecutive division titles in 2013 and 2014, both firsts for the franchise. Despite this success, the Clippers struggled in the postseason and were frequently eliminated in the Conference Semifinals; the team reached the conference finals for the first time in 2021. To date, they are the oldest franchise in North American professional sports to have never played in a championship game.
Reader's Guide
The Clippers' history includes the Buffalo Braves era (1970–1978), the San Diego Clippers era (1978–1984), and the Los Angeles era (1984–present). Key figures include Bob McAdoo, who led the Braves to three playoff appearances and was NBA MVP in 1974–75; and the Lob City trio of Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and Chris Paul, who led the team to six consecutive playoff appearances from 2012 to 2017 and two division titles. The team reached the conference finals for the first time in 2021.
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