The Los Angeles Clippers snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 139-123 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, setting season highs in points and field-goal percentage.
Darius Garland recorded 24 points and 10 assists, while Brook Lopez added 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting. The Clippers improved to 2-7 after winning for the first time since their season-opening victory over Sacramento.
Gradey Dick and rookie Keaton Wagler each scored 15 points off the bench. Rui Hachimura contributed 14 points, while Kris Dunn also finished with 14 points and four assists.
Los Angeles shot 55% from the field, making 46 of 84 attempts, and converted 16 of 38 three-pointers. Its 139 points and 54.8% shooting were both season highs.
The Clippers took control with a 15-6 run to open the fourth quarter, turning a 102-101 lead into a 117-101 advantage. They had struggled to protect double-digit fourth-quarter leads in their previous two games, but avoided another late collapse against New Orleans.
Garland extended the margin to 124-107 with three free throws with 4:56 remaining. Los Angeles maintained its comfortable advantage through the final minutes.
Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 26 points, seven rebounds and four three-pointers. Zion Williamson and Jeremiah Fears each scored 25 points, while Saddiq Bey added 13.
Williamson was perfect from the field, making all nine attempts, and went 7-for-9 at the free-throw line. Fears shot 10-for-14 and added six rebounds and five assists.
New Orleans shot 51% overall but struggled to match Los Angeles’ offensive efficiency. The Pelicans made 10 of 29 three-pointers and committed 16 turnovers, five more than the Clippers.
Lopez anchored the Clippers’ interior production with seven rebounds and three offensive boards. Los Angeles also received 12 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks from Baba Miller.
The Pelicans had entered Sunday averaging an NBA-leading 61.6 points in the paint but managed only 52 against the Clippers. Their 123 points came despite shooting 50.6% from the field.
New Orleans fell to 4-6 after losing its second straight game, following a four-game winning streak. The Pelicans began a two-game California trip without a victory and will face Golden State on Monday.
The Clippers were also without Isaiah Jackson, who was sidelined by a groin injury. Brandon Ingram, who has yet to make his debut for Los Angeles, remained out with a heel injury.
The Pelicans visit the Warriors on Monday, while the Clippers travel to Phoenix on Tuesday.
