Los Angeles- Sitting atop the Western Conference, The Clippers returned from their infamous Grammy road trip and were defeated 117-106 by the New Orleans Pelicans.
The red-hot Clippers recently closed out their 13-day seven-game road trip 6-1 and had the NBA’s best record since December 1st at 26-6 coming into the game.
Making no excuses, Head Coach Tyronn Lue spoke on the difficulties the schedule presented to his squad.
“It was a tough game for us no excuses,” Lue said. “I’m pretty sure we’re not the only team that’s gone through this. It is what it is. Everyone has a bad schedule game at some point in the season. We came off of a 13-day trip, landed at 2:30, and played a really good team the next day that’s beat us the last 10 out of 12. Like I said they played well, played better than we did”.
CJ McCollum made a strong impact for the Pelicans, scoring 25 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Additionally, Zion Williamson showcased his versatility and playmaking ability on the court recording 21 points and 10 assists.
James Harden led the Clippers in scoring with 19 and Kawhi Leonard added 15 points.
The Pelicans were the more aggressive team from tip-off, jumping out to an early 11-2 lead. The Clippers would respond with an 11-2 run of their own to tie the game 13-13. New Orleans responded with a dominant 23-6 run, reseizing control of the game and establishing a commanding 36-19 lead after the first quarter.
The Clippers went 16 of 35 from the field in the first half, shooting 45% and shooting 47% from the three-point line, making 8 of 17 attempts, and were able to narrow the Pelican’s lead down as they trailed 55-47 at the half.
The Pelicans shot 53% from the floor on 23 of 43 shooting in the first half and went 5 of 16 for 31% from behind the arc.
In the second half, the Clippers shot 46% after going 20 of 43 from the field and shot an underwhelming 26% from long distance, making only 4 of 15 attempts. Despite their struggles from behind the arc in the half the Clippers hung around and cut the Pelicans lead down to four early in the final period.
Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum took over in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter. Both of the Pelicans put up 13 points a piece in the period and put the game away for the visiting Pelicans.
The Pelicans shot 53% from the floor in the second half and shot 43% from the three-point line making 7 of 16. New Orleans finished the game shooting 53% from the field and 37% from deep.
The Clippers All-Star duo Kawhi Leonard and Paul George struggled to find and make shots throughout the contest which contributed to their team’s demise.
“Kawhi only getting 10 shots, they did a good job double-teaming him we didn’t handle that well, Lue said post game”. “Like I said they played better than we did. Their gameplan was good and they won the game.”
Paul George finished the game with an underwhelming 7 points shooting 20% on 3 of 15 shooting and going 0 for 8 from the three-point line.
The Clippers concluded the game shooting 46% from the field and 37% from behind the arc. Los Angeles prepares to bounce back as they prepare to face the Detroit Pistons on Saturday in an early matinee game at Crypto.com Arena.
