Kawhi Leonard delivered a standout performance with 28 points, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 114-98 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. The Clippers, now 44-32 and sitting 7th in the Western Conference, secured their fourth win in five games, continuing their strong finish to the regular season.
James Harden also played a pivotal role, scoring 21 points and adding 10 assists. Ivica Zubac contributed a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Bogdan Bogdanovic finished with 16 points.
The Pelicans, currently 21-55 and ranked 14th in the West, have struggled of late, losing seven of their last 10 games. Jose Alvarado led New Orleans with 17 points and 10 assists, while Bruce Bowen added 16 points. However, with several key players sidelined, the Pelicans were unable to keep pace with the Clippers.
Los Angeles took control early, with Harden’s layup at 4:49 in the first quarter putting them ahead 12-10, a lead they would not relinquish. By halftime, the Clippers were up 59-47, fueled by Leonard’s 18-point performance.
In the second half, the Clippers maintained their momentum, outscoring the Pelicans by four points across the final two quarters. Bogdanovic scored 12 of his 16 points in the second half, helping the Clippers seal the win.
The Pelicans faced a tough challenge without Zion Williamson (out for the season due to a back injury) and CJ McCollum (foot injury), leaving a significant gap in their offensive and defensive capabilities.
The absence of their key players was especially noticeable as the Pelicans struggled to shoot from beyond the arc, finishing with just 4-for-22 from three-point range. In contrast, the Clippers shot 13-for-32 from deep, dominating the perimeter battle.
Los Angeles’ defense also played a crucial role in the win, forcing the Pelicans into 18 turnovers while committing only 10 of their own. The Clippers’ depth was on full display, with contributions coming from all over the roster. Kris Dunn added 11 points, while Norman Powell chipped in 11 points as well.
With this win, the Clippers remain strong at home, bolstering their position in the playoff race. Their 12-3 record over the last 15 games continues to show that they are a force to be reckoned with as the season heads toward its conclusion.
