Trey Murphy III led the New Orleans Pelicans with 27 points in a 105-99 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday at Smoothie King Center. The win extends New Orleans’ home streak to seven games and completes a two-game sweep of Los Angeles.
Saddiq Bey added 20 points, and Zion Williamson contributed 15, including a key layup during a decisive 14-5 run in the final five minutes. The Pelicans overcame a 94-91 deficit with 5:53 remaining to secure the victory.
Dejounte Murray sat out to rest during his comeback from a ruptured Achilles, and Kawhi Leonard did not play after a sprained left ankle, limiting the Clippers’ offensive options. Derrick Jones Jr. scored 22, John Collins added 18, and Bogdan Bogdanovic finished with 16 points.
New Orleans shot 47% from the field and 38% from three, while converting 82% of free throws. The Clippers managed 46% from the floor and 31% from deep but could not close the gap late.
Murphy’s sharpshooting and Williamson’s presence inside the paint were decisive in overcoming Los Angeles’ late-game push. Bey’s 3-of-4 three-point shooting helped maintain spacing, and the Pelicans’ bench contributed 25 points to support the starters.
New Orleans controlled the boards with 47 rebounds, including eight offensive, while limiting the Clippers to 39 rebounds.
The Pelicans improved to 25-46 and have won three straight, while Los Angeles fell to 34-36 and dropped their fourth consecutive game. New Orleans will host Cleveland on Saturday, while the Clippers travel to Dallas.
