Los Angeles ClippersOpen full analysis
New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 124–109 on March 18 at Smoothie King Center, pulling away in the second and third quarters to control the matchup. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led New Orleans with 25 points while Trey Murphy III added 23, combining with the Pelicans' 53% field-goal shooting and 16 three-pointers made to overwhelm Los Angeles. The Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard's 25 points and John Collins's 18, shot 51.1% but managed only nine three-pointers and were outpaced in transition. New Orleans's second quarter proved decisive—the Pelicans scored 34 points to the Clippers' 20, establishing a cushion they would not relinquish. The game finished well below the Vegas total of 236.5, with the Pelicans' stifling 115.1 defensive rating limiting Los Angeles's offensive rhythm. New Orleans's 32 assists and 12 steals underscored their ball movement and perimeter pressure, while the Clippers' 18 turnovers compounded their offensive struggles. The win strengthens New Orleans's playoff positioning as the Clippers' depth continues to be tested down the stretch.
