In a captivating Friday night showdown, Zion Williamson led the New Orleans Pelicans to a triumphant victory over the Los Angeles Clippers with an awe-inspiring 34-point performance, clinching a 112-104 win and securing the season series 3-1. The Pelicans, now just two games shy of the Clippers for the Western Conference’s No. 4 seed, have positioned themselves as serious contenders, holding the regular-season tiebreaker—a vital advantage as the playoffs loom on the horizon. Dominating the court as the primary ball-handler, Williamson’s dynamic presence was undeniable, carving through the Clippers’ defense with a combination of sheer power and finesse.
While Trey Murphy III and Brandon Ingram added 14 and 13 points, respectively, it was the Pelicans’ clutch three-point shooting in the final quarter that quelled any comeback aspirations for the Clippers. Los Angeles, missing the scoring prowess of James Harden due to injury, leaned on Paul George and Kawhi Leonard who put up 26 and 23 points in the effort. Despite Norman Powell’s consistent bench performance, the Pelicans held firm in the closing moments, with Williamson, Ingram, and Larry Nance Jr.’s decisive plays sealing the deal for New Orleans. With this significant win, the Pelicans look ahead to hosting the Portland Trail Blazers, as the Clippers regroup to face the Atlanta Hawks at home, each seeking to bolster their playoff positioning.
