Clippers Beat the Pelicans 137-117 to End a 3-Game Losing Streak — Pelicans Vs Clippers Recap
The pelicans vs clippers matchup in Inglewood ended with the Los Angeles Clippers posting a 137-117 victory to snap a three-game losing streak. Kawhi Leonard led the way with 23 points as Los Angeles never trailed en route to a decisive road win that shifted momentum for the Clippers and left New Orleans searching for answers amid key injuries.
Pelicans Vs Clippers: Game Recap
Los Angeles established control early and maintained it throughout. The Clippers led 43-32 after one quarter, extended to a 76-70 advantage at halftime, and carried a 107-94 cushion into the fourth quarter. In the fourth, the margin stretched to as many as 26 points as the Clippers closed emphatically.
Key Performers
- Kawhi Leonard: 23 points; went 1 of 7 from long range.
- Jordan Miller: 19 points for Los Angeles.
- Derrick Jones Jr.: 17 points for the Clippers.
- Brook Lopez: 16 points and efficient shooting.
- John Collins: 15 points for Los Angeles.
- Jeremiah Fears: team-high 28 points for New Orleans, hitting 5 of 6 3-pointers.
- Derik Queen: 19 points for the Pelicans.
- Dejounte Murray: 17 points for New Orleans.
- Trey Murphy III: added 16 points after missing five games because of a right shoulder injury.
Shooting and Line Contributions
The Clippers as a team shot 17 of 36 from 3-point range. Brook Lopez was 4 for 6 from deep, while Derrick Jones Jr. and Kobe Sanders were each 3 for 4 from distance. Kawhi Leonard’s 1-of-7 mark from beyond the arc contrasted with the team’s overall success from long range.
Injuries and Availability
New Orleans was without Zion Williamson, who sat out after injuring his right ankle at Utah on Saturday night. Williamson had played a career-high 35 straight games before the injury forced him out of this matchup. Trey Murphy III returned from a five-game absence caused by a right shoulder injury and contributed 16 points.
Standings Impact and What’s Next
The Clippers improved to 28-31 and sit 10th in the Western Conference following the win. The Pelicans fell to 19-43 and are 13th in the West. Los Angeles travels to Golden State on Monday night, while New Orleans is scheduled to be at the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.
Takeaways
The pelicans vs clippers game underlined Los Angeles’ balanced scoring beyond Leonard’s 23 points; multiple role players supplied offense and the team’s 3-point production was a decisive edge. New Orleans showed scoring from Jeremiah Fears and others, but the absence of Zion Williamson and recent injury disruptions limited the Pelicans’ ability to mount a comeback. Both teams head quickly to new opponents, with the Clippers aiming to build on the win and the Pelicans seeking answers on the road.
