The New Orleans Pelicans erased an early deficit and pulled away late to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 124-109 on Wednesday night at Smoothie King Center.
New Orleans secured its sixth straight home win and ninth victory in the last 13 games, continuing a late-season push despite sitting outside the Western Conference playoff picture.
Saddiq Bey led the scoring with 25 points, knocking down five three-pointers and spacing the floor effectively as the Pelicans leaned on perimeter shooting. Trey Murphy III added 23 points and reached a milestone with his 200th three-pointer of the season.
The Pelicans shot 53% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc, while also converting 20 of 21 free throws to maintain offensive efficiency throughout the comeback.
New Orleans fell behind early due to turnovers, committing eight in the first nine minutes as the Clippers built a 33-18 lead. Kawhi Leonard scored 12 points during that stretch, helping Los Angeles gain control in the opening quarter.
The home team stabilized late in the first half, trimming the deficit with improved ball security and shot selection. Murphy’s late three-pointer tied the game at 58, and his driving floater in the closing seconds sent both teams into halftime even at 60.
New Orleans carried that momentum into the third quarter, using ball movement and transition play to create separation. Murphy’s fourth three-pointer of the period pushed the lead to 94-81, capping a decisive run.
Dejounte Murray orchestrated the offense with 17 points and 11 assists, consistently creating advantages in pick-and-roll situations. Zion Williamson added 14 points, while rookie Derrick Queen matched him with 14 and went a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line.
The Pelicans extended the lead into the fourth quarter, highlighted by Murphy’s fast-break dunk following a steal by Herbert Jones that made it 117-101. New Orleans led by as many as 20 points in the closing minutes.
Jeremiah Fears contributed 11 points off the bench, adding secondary scoring as the Pelicans maintained control with balanced production.
Los Angeles shot 51% from the field but struggled from long range, making just 9 of 31 three-point attempts. Turnovers and defensive breakdowns limited the team’s ability to sustain its early advantage.
Leonard finished with 25 points and eight rebounds, while John Collins added 18 points and seven rebounds. Darius Garland recorded 13 points and six assists, but the Clippers dropped to 34-35 and remain narrowly in the eighth spot in the West.
The two teams will meet again in New Orleans on Thursday, offering the Clippers an immediate opportunity to respond.
