I think the Los Angeles Clippers did under-estimate the New Orleans Pelicans in this one. You could see it from the start... the body language... the over-confident motion... well you are a championship contender with a good 7-4 record; you have superstar Paul George coming back for you; and you're playing a not-so-good team at 2-8... well that's the problem...
The Pelicans came out firing with nothing to lose... and they did exactly that... kinda surprising the Clippers with their strong start. Don't get me wrong; the Clippers did 'wake up' and in the second half; they came out firing to even the score... and it developed into a high-quality, high-stakes see-saw match with both sides firing on all cylinders.
But in the end; the Pelicans; led by some stellar play from their one-time All-Star point-guard Jrue Holiday; prevailed with some consistent and strong play down the stretch; to gain a priceless; sensational upset over the NBA title favourites.
I agree with Chauncey Billups; this was actually a game the Clippers should win. If you're the NBA Championship favourites; you have to beat a somewhat-struggling team like the Pelicans. In this league, anyone can beat anyone; everyone is talented; as the Pelicans so astutely showed in this contest. Yes the Clippers were without the injured Kawhi Leonard and Patrick Beverley; but let's not forget the Pelicans were also under-manned; with four key players out in Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball and of coz the No. 1 Draft Pick Zion Williamson.
In the end, it was the Pelicans who wanted it more; scrapping and winning all the loose balls; they more or less played a perfect game; with strong performances from players like power-forward Derrick Favors, sharp-shooter JJ Redick and the versatile Frank Jackson.
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