Paul George led the Los Angeles Clippers to a decisive 111-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans with six 3-pointers and 24 points during Friday’s NBA action. Kawhi Leonard contributed significantly with 19 points and nine rebounds.
The Clippers, who have been on a roll with 14 wins in their last 16 games, dominated the game, leading by 31 points at one point in the fourth quarter.
James Harden played a pivotal role with 13 assists and eight points, helping the Clippers maintain control throughout the game. The Pelicans, who were on a four-game winning streak, couldn’t keep up the momentum. Jonas Valanciunas and Jordan Hawkins scored 13 points, with Valanciunas also grabbing 11 rebounds.
The Clippers’ defense was particularly effective against the Pelicans’ key players, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, holding them to just 12 points each. Williamson exited in the third quarter due to a right leg contusion, but Pelicans coach Willie Green assured it wasn’t serious.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue highlighted the team’s defensive focus, especially on Ingram, who had previously scored high against them. Lue’s strategy involved quick double-teams to limit Ingram’s impact.
“I just think defensively, we were locked in,” Lue said. “We wanted to make sure we tried to take the ball out of his hands early, because he’s had first quarters against us that have been crazy. He had nine shots, and nine shots for an All-Star player just shows that we’ve done a good job trying to take the ball out of his hands.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The game turned significantly in the Clippers’ favor in the second quarter when they outscored the Pelicans 30-15. Their defensive effort was evident as they held New Orleans to their season-low in a half with just 41 points.
“It’s easy because our guys on the floor attract so much attention,” George said. “James, Kawhi, those guys attract so much attention that a lot of times, it leaves me open for catch-and-shoot situations, and my job is easy at that point. I just finish the play that those guys created.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
George praised the team dynamics, especially the attention Harden and Leonard drew, which often left him in favorable shooting positions. Coach Green acknowledged the Clippers’ defensive prowess, noting their physicality and aggressive tactics disrupted the Pelicans’ play.
“They were physical, they were aggressive, they had their hands on us,” Gorge said. “They mixed up their defensive coverages. They blitzed some pick-and-rolls. It just took us out of what we wanted to do, and we were a step slow tonight.”
Looking ahead, the Clippers are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena, while the Pelicans will take on the Sacramento Kings, both games scheduled for Sunday.
