Pelicans Go Smooth

Let's face it: this was a game everyone expected the Los Angeles Clippers to win. Yes they were off an imperious 7-game winning streak; they hit some speed-bumps along the way in the shape of the Chicago Bulls & Memphis Grizzlies; but they were still at a steady 9-6 record; and against a woeful team like the 2-14 New Orleans Pelicans; this had to be a no-brainer.

But nobody told the Zion Williamson-less New Orleans Pelicans. On paper; they look far over-matched against the Western Conference heavyweights. But basketball isn't played on paper. The game looked on course early on; with the Clippers building a seemingly-insurmountable 20-point lead in the first half at 36-16; and it looked like lights out.

But the Pelicans are not a team that gives up easy. A few questionable Paul George shots later; a few easy lay-ups blown;  and suddenly the Pelicans were back on course and seemed to have the momentum. They were aided and abetted in no small part by the overall play of star Brandon Ingram; who looks in good form despite his team's woes this season; small forward Josh Hart; who came up big late in the game with some decisive plays; and center Jonas Valanciunas; who hit a number of threes to thwart any Clippers comeback.

The Clippers didn't seem to know what hit them; and like a recurring nightmare; it seemed to be unfolding before their weary eyes. Just like the previous night against the Memphis Grizzlies; they had played an abject second half; losing out in both effort and commitment; with their-once-vaunted defense gaping too many holes.