The New Orleans Pelicans stumbled once again in a tough road test, falling 114-98 to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Missing key startersZion Williamson and CJ McCollum—both officially shut down for the season earlier this week—the Pelicans struggled to find rhythm offensively and fell behind early, never reclaiming the lead after a James Harden layup made it 12-10 in the first quarter.
Jose Alvarado led the charge with 17 points and 10 assists, doing his best to ignite a stagnant offense. But New Orleans’ shooting woes were glaring, especially from beyond the arc, where the Pelicans hit just 4-of-22 attempts, compared to the Clippers’ 13 triples—a staggering 27-point difference that loomed large over the final score.
Despite a gritty 16-point performance from Bruce Bowen and 12 boards from rookie Yves Missi, the Pelicans simply couldn’t match the Clippers’ offensive efficiency or depth. Kawhi Leonard poured in 28 points, and Harden added a double-double to pace a Clippers team that’s now won 12 of its last 15.
While New Orleans showed flashes of hustle, particularly in the rebounding department, the lack of perimeter shooting and consistent defensive breakdowns proved costly.
With their playoff hopes slipping, the Pelicans (now 3-7 over their last 10) stay in Southern California to face the Lakers next—hoping to stop the slide and regain some momentum. In roster news, newly signed center Kylor Kelley brings shot-blocking prowess to the frontcourt, while Elfrid Payton’s second 10-day contract keeps the backcourt rotation intact as New Orleans looks to salvage the closing stretch.
