The match is not open in the first quarter. It defends hard on both sides and it is the talent of Kawhi Leonard as well as the baskets of Paul George that speak in Los Angeles, when the Pelicans find some open shots at 3-points (20-22). New Orleans started the second quarter better and made a small gap, despite the shots of a “PG13” in form (50-44).
The start of the second half belongs to Zion Williamson, who insists inside against Ivica Zubac. The Clippers make up for their deficit with winning shots, including two in a row from Norman Powell on shifts from Kawhi Leonard. On a final basket at the buzzer, Zion Williamson gives his team the advantage before the last quarter (82-80).
As Willie Green's players always have a 3-point response, they resist the show put on by Paul George. The two teams exchange baskets, but also defend. The pressure is stronger. The closer we get to the end of the meeting, the thinner the air becomes.
Larry Nance Jr. scores an important shot and the Clippers lose the ball in the process, leaving behind the last hopes of winning. The Pelicans won 112-104 and bounced back after their defeat against Cleveland.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Pelicans have the tiebreaker. A scent of playoffs could be felt in this meeting, the two teams being very close in the standings in the Western Conference (Los Angeles is 4th with 42 victories, New Orleans 5th with 40 successes). And this victory for the Pelicans is important because it allows the franchise to win against Los Angeles with a third success in four matches. So, if the two teams finish with the same record – which is possible – then Zion Williamson and his gang will have the tiebreaker to make the difference.
– Zion Williamson as boss. The Pelicans collective and his teammates supported him well, but the interior made big differences individually. Especially with his perfect third quarter: 16 points at 7/7 shooting. He added seven points in the final act to finish with 34 units, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 interceptions.
– Kawhi Leonard and Paul George lonely. Both All-Stars got the job done. The first with 23 points, the second with 28, but they were very alone. Not that the second knives were bad, but the Clippers lacked rhythm and sharpness to provide variety offensively. Paul George increased the number of one-on-one phases of play and Kawhi Leonard was targeted by two-on-one shots. These are the situations where Russell Westbrook and James Harden are sorely missed.
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
