Pelicans Fall 139-123 to Clippers at Intuit Dome

A Late Surge Seals Victory

The New Orleans Pelicans attempted to maintain their footing at the Intuit Dome on Sunday, but a decisive fourth-quarter run by the home team ultimately defined the outcome. The LA Clippers defeated the visiting Pelicans 139-123, improving their record to 2-7 while dropping New Orleans to 4-6.

The game remained tightly contested through the first quarter, which ended in a 28-28 tie. Both teams exchanged baskets early, with Trey Murphy III and Darius Garland leading their respective offenses. The Pelicans took control in the second quarter, outscoring Los Angeles 32-39 to take a 60-54 lead into halftime. New Orleans appeared poised to extend that advantage as the third quarter began.

However, the Clippers responded with a potent offensive display. LA won the third quarter 35-35, keeping the score tied at 89-89 entering the final period. The Pelicans struggled to find rhythm against the home crowd, while Los Angeles found consistent scoring opportunities. The Clippers pulled away in the fourth quarter, winning the frame 37-28 to secure the 16-point victory.

Key Performances

Darius Garland was instrumental for the Clippers, recording a double-double with 24 points and 10 assists. His playmaking helped orchestrate the team's offensive bursts throughout the contest. Brook Lopez contributed significantly on the boards, grabbing seven rebounds for Los Angeles.

For New Orleans, Trey Murphy III led all scorers with 26 points. He also pulled down seven rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. Jeremiah Fears facilitated the Pelicans' offense effectively, dishing out five assists in the loss.

Game Flow and Context

The attendance at Intuit Dome was recorded at 17,927 fans. The game featured a back-and-forth battle in the early stages, with neither team able to establish a dominant margin before the second quarter break. New Orleans built its largest lead during the middle frame, but the Clippers' ability to score efficiently in the second half proved too much for the visitors.

The result leaves the Clippers at 2-7 on the season, while the Pelicans fall to 4-6. Neither team advanced or was eliminated from any playoff contention based on this single game result.

Sources

ESPN