Clippers Break Seven Game Losing Skid
Los Angeles defeated New Orleans 139 to 123 on Sunday, ending a drought that began with a loss to Sacramento at the season start.
By Ella Cox ·
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 139 to 123 on Sunday night, snapping a seven game losing streak that had persisted since the season opener. Darius Garland led the offensive effort with 24 points and 10 assists, while Brook Lopez contributed 20 points in a victory that marked the highest point total for the Clippers this season.
The Clippers established control late in the fourth quarter, outscoring New Orleans 15 to 6 to secure a 117 to 101 lead. This surge was critical because Los Angeles had failed to hold onto double digit leads in the final period during its previous two contests. Garland sank three free throws with 4 minutes 56 seconds remaining to extend the advantage to 124 to 107, after which the team managed the clock to finish the game.
New Orleans struggled to contain the Clippers' perimeter shooting, which reached a season best 54.8 percent from the field. Despite the loss, the Pelicans shot 50.6 percent from the floor and kept Los Angeles to 52 points in the paint. This defensive metric represented a decline for New Orleans, which had averaged 61.6 points allowed in the paint per game and led the NBA in that category before the matchup.
Trey Murphy III scored 26 points for the Pelicans, while Zion Williamson and Jeremiah Fears each added 25 points. Saddiq Bey finished with 13 points as New Orleans lost its second straight game following a four game winning streak. The Pelicans had taken their first lead of the second half at 78 to 77 after an 18 to 10 run, but they could not sustain the momentum against the Clippers' second half adjustments.
The Clippers were missing center Isaiah Jackson due to a groin injury and forward Brandon Ingram due to a heel issue. Ingram, a former Pelicans star, is nearing his debut with his new team. The Pelicans will continue their California trip on Monday night with a game against the Golden State Warriors.
The win ended a stretch where Los Angeles had lost its last seven games after defeating the Sacramento Kings in the season opener. Gradey Dick and rookie Keaton Wagler each scored 15 points, and Rui Hachimura added 14 for the Clippers in the decisive fourth quarter.
