Watch: Conan O’Brien consoles Steve Ballmer after Thornton three-pointer

Conan O’Brien lent a friendly hand to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer as Los Angeles saw its lead dwindle against the Rockets on Monday night.

There are worse people to have cheer you up than one of the funniest men on television. 

Late-night host Conan O’Brien took in Monday’s game between the Clippers and Rockets with Clips owner Steve Ballmer courtside. After a late Marcus Thornton three-pointer put the game into overtime, it was Conan who calmed down a despondent Ballmer with a nurturing pat on the back.

O’Brien himself looked like he could use a pat on the back after realizing he had to spend an extra five minutes with Ballmer, who’s not exactly known for his reserved demeanor during games. O’Brien lucked out in the end, as the Clippers won the game 140–132.