The Los Angeles Clippers didn’t just lose Thursday night. They unraveled.
What began as a comfortable night — Los Angeles once led by 25 points — ended in one of the strangest collapses of the season, punctuated by a stunning mental error from veteran guard Nicolas Batum.
With 16 seconds remaining and the San Antonio Spurs holding a 113–112 lead, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue inserted Batum into the game to inbound the ball. Batum found Brook Lopez at the top of the key, and Lopez quickly returned the pass.
There was one glaring problem.
Batum never stepped onto the court.
Still standing out of bounds, he caught the ball and was immediately whistled for a turnover — erasing the Clippers’ chance at a game-winning shot and forcing them to foul.
The Spurs nearly gave the game back. Julian Champagnie missed two free throws, but San Antonio grabbed the offensive rebound. Rookie Stephon Castle later split a pair, the Spurs secured another offensive rebound, and a quick layup sealed the comeback.
For Batum, an 18-year veteran, it was a moment that will linger — a single step forgotten that turned a comeback opportunity into a collapse.
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After the game, fans trolled Batum on social media.
