Los Angeles turned a tied first quarter into a seven-point halftime lead, with New Orleans still within reach.
The teams were level at 28 after the first, but the Clippers surged for 39 points in the second to take a 67-60 halftime lead on Sunday. New Orleans scored 32 in that quarter but couldn’t match Los Angeles’ pace. Early in the third, the Clippers have stretched the margin to 72-63. Zion Williamson and Jeremiah Fears each have 17 points, while Darius Garland has 14 points and seven assists. After the break, watch whether New Orleans can slow Garland’s creation and turn its scoring into a run.
Key Performers
Zion Williamson (Pelicans): 17 points, 6-for-6 FG Jeremiah Fears (Pelicans): 17 points, 3-for-4 from three Darius Garland (Clippers): 14 points, 7 assists