Garland Leads Clippers Past Pelicans to Snap Seven-Game Skid
Los Angeles shot 54.8% from the floor for a season-high 139 points, while New Orleans lost its second straight game despite strong shooting numbers.
By Justin Barnes ·
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 139 to 123 on Sunday night in Inglewood, ending a seven-game losing streak.
Darius Garland scored 24 points and recorded 10 assists, while Brook Lopez contributed 20 points. The Clippers also received 15 points each from Gradey Dick and rookie Keaton Wagler, with Rui Hachimura adding 14.
Los Angeles opened the fourth quarter with a 15-6 run, building a 117-101 lead. This surge allowed the team to close out the game after failing to hold double-digit fourth-quarter leads in their previous two contests.
The Pelicans, who had won four straight games before this matchup, fell to their second consecutive loss. Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 26 points, while Zion Williamson and Jeremiah Fears each scored 25. Saddiq Bey added 13 points for the visiting team.
New Orleans shot 50.6% from the floor but was limited to 52 points in the paint, a drop from their league-leading average of 61.6 per game prior to the contest. The Clippers shot a season-best 54.8% from the field to set a season high in points scored.
The Clippers took a 67-60 lead at halftime after shooting 52.3% from the floor. New Orleans briefly took its first lead since the opening minute in the second half, reaching 78-77 after an 18-10 run. Garland finished with 14 points in the first half, while Williamson had 17.
Los Angeles played without center Isaiah Jackson due to a groin injury and former Pelicans star Brandon Ingram, who is dealing with a heel issue and nearing his debut. The Pelicans are set to play Golden State on Monday night, while the Clippers travel to Phoenix on Tuesday night.
