The Los Angeles Clippers were three games ahead of the Pelicans in fourth place in the Western Conference standings going into Friday night's game in New Orleans.
The two teams played like it from beginning to end, with a lot on the line, in front of an enthusiastic crowd that was possibly the loudest of the season at Smoothie King Center.
With everything on the line, Zion Williamson elevated his play and led the Pelicans to victory, helping New Orleans secure a crucial 112-104 victory.
In a full game, Williamson scored 34 points, grabbed seven rebounds, distributed four assists, and committed three thefts.
There was an immediate playoff vibe to the game.
Both teams guarded with tremendous physicality and energy in the opening quarter, which established the tone for the whole game, but the Clippers came out on top 22–20.
Despite shooting just 39% from the field in the first half, New Orleans played strong defense to lead 50–44 at the intermission.
Williamson led New Orleans to an 11-point lead in the third quarter with 16 points from him, but the Clippers rallied to close the quarter with a 29–20 run, cutting the margin to 82–80.
In the fourth quarter, New Orleans would not give up the lead.
Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and four 3-pointers. Trey Murphy III's bench contribution was crucial as the team scored 43 points from substitutes. Jose Alvarado scored nine points, Naji Marshall scored eight, and Larry Nance Jr. had a huge game with twelve points, four rebounds, and three assists.
It was necessary since CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram were both held to 13 and 11 points, respectively.
The Pelicans were careful with the ball, making only nine mistakes as opposed to the Clippers' fifteen. Los Angeles had just 18 assists compared to New Orleans' 28.
Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and four 3-pointers. Trey Murphy III's bench contribution was crucial as the team scored 43 points from substitutes. Jose Alvarado scored nine points, Naji Marshall scored eight, and Larry Nance Jr. had a huge game with twelve points, four rebounds, and three assists.
It was necessary since CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram were both held to 13 and 11 points, respectively.
The Pelicans were careful with the ball, making only nine mistakes as opposed to the Clippers' fifteen. Los Angeles had just 18 assists compared to New Orleans' 28.
Thanks in large part to Williamson's play, which has seen him score 33 and 34 points in his past two games and average 31.3 points per game over his last three, New Orleans dominated the paint, winning by a score of 58–36. At the perfect moment, he is pushing himself to a new level.
With 16 games remaining, the Pelicans have won 40 of their season, good for fifth place in the Western Conference.
With 16 games remaining, the Pelicans have won 40 of their season, good for fifth place in the Western Conference.
The Pelicans' defense was crucial in keeping the Clippers 10 points below their season average.
In their previous ten road games, the Clippers had eight victories. The Pelicans, who have so far proven to be a stronger road squad than home club, handled business at home.
The Pelicans now have a task as they play Portland on Saturday night in the second of a back-to-back. They must recover swiftly after the mentally and physically exhausting effort. The Blazers have a 19-47 record.
In their previous ten road games, the Clippers had eight victories. The Pelicans, who have so far proven to be a stronger road squad than home club, handled business at home.
The Pelicans now have a task as they play Portland on Saturday night in the second of a back-to-back. They must recover swiftly after the mentally and physically exhausting effort. The Blazers have a 19-47 record.
Williamson leads the Pelicans over the Clippers 112-104