Clippers Go Smooth Over Pelicans

In this dueling-banjos contest of the Wild Wild West; the championship-chasing Los Angeles Clippers out-shot the up-and-coming New Orleans Pelicans 133-130 in a thrilling contest at Smoothie King Center. And it was Kawhi Leonard who put up another Terminator-sized game; doing Whatever It Takes on the way to a 39-point; 6-rebound; 6-assist performance to lead his team to victory.

But the Pelicans made them work hard all the way. Finding good form recently and packed with energetic young players in Lonzo Ball; Brandon Ingram & Jaxson Hayes; the Pelicans shot the lights out in the early going to send Doc Rivers' plan into a tailspin; as they threatened to derail the Clippers' playoff & championship push.

In the end however; the Pelicans' hot shooting deserted them when they needed it most; coming up empty in the decisive fourth quarter; as the experience & savvy of the Los Angeles Clippers took its toll. And it was reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams who came up big; hitting unprobable long three-point jumpers to torch the Pelicans and send the Clippers back on the radar. He was supported by his partner-in-crime Montrezl Harrell; who delivered another sensational, rim-swinging 24-point effort; and the incomparable Patrick Beverley; who produced another influential 9-point; 6-rebound; 6-assist effort.