LOS ANGELES — The New Orleans Pelicans secured their fourth consecutive win by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 117-106 on Wednesday night, halting the Clippers’ momentum after their recent successful run. C.J. McCollum led the charge with 25 points, including a crucial 13-point contribution in the fourth quarter, while Zion Williamson added 21 points and 10 assists, nearly matching his career-high in assists.
Brandon Ingram contributed 15 points and eight rebounds for the Pelicans, who embarked on a four-game road trip with a strong start. Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III each added 13 points, helping the Pelicans match their longest winning streak of the season.
The Clippers, coming off an impressive 6-1 road trip that propelled them to the top of the Western Conference standings, saw their four-game winning streak snapped. The team faced fatigue, playing its eighth game in 13 days. James Harden led the Clippers with 19 points, and Norman Powell added 18, but the team’s energy levels were noticeably affected by the demanding schedule.
Kawhi Leonard scored 15 points, and Paul George finished with seven, struggling with his shooting early in the game. The Clippers’ performance was hindered by a slow start, allowing the Pelicans to build a 17-point lead in the first quarter. Despite George’s shooting woes in the first half, he managed to find his rhythm after halftime.
The Pelicans capitalized on their opportunities, particularly in the fourth quarter, with Williamson’s dynamic drives and McCollum’s sharpshooting extending their lead and securing the win. Jonas Valanciunas, however, left the game in the second quarter with a bruised right calf, adding to the Pelicans’ injury concerns.
The Clippers, dealing with their own injury issues, welcomed center Ivica Zubac back from a one-game absence due to a calf strain. Despite the loss, Harden achieved a milestone by surpassing Maurice Cheeks for 15th place on the NBA’s career assists list.
The game also highlighted the Clippers’ challenging schedule, playing at home immediately after returning from their extensive road trip. The team will soon transition to their new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, moving away from the downtown arena that hosts the Grammy Awards.
As the Pelicans look forward to their next matchup against the Lakers on Friday, the Clippers aim to bounce back when they host Detroit on Saturday, seeking to regain their form in the competitive Western Conference.
