Clippers 139 Pelicans 123
Darius Garland scored 24 points and handed out 10 assists to help the Los Angeles Clippers defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 139-123 on Sunday night, snapping a seven-game losing streak, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Brook Lopez added 20 points for the Clippers. Gradey Dick and rookie Keaton Wagler chipped in 15 points apiece, while Rui Hachimura contributed 14 points.
The victory marked the first win for Los Angeles since opening night against the Sacramento Kings. The team shot 54.8% from the field, setting a new high mark for the current campaign.
Fourth-Quarter Run
Los Angeles built a 15-6 scoring run at the start of the fourth quarter to seize a 117-101 advantage. Garland sank three free throws with 4:56 remaining to push the margin to 124-107.
The surge allowed the Clippers to secure the outcome after dropping double-digit late leads in their previous two contests. New Orleans kept the pressure on through efficient offense, shooting 50.6% overall from the field.
Trey Murphy III led the visitors with 26 points. Zion Williamson and Jeremiah Fears each finished with 25 points for the Pelicans.
Paint Dominance Checked
New Orleans arrived in Inglewood averaging 61.6 points per game in the paint, the highest mark in the NBA. The Clippers defense limited the Pelicans to 52 points inside.
Saddiq Bey added 13 points for the Pelicans in the opening game of a two-game California trip. The defeat was the second in a row for New Orleans following a four-game winning streak.
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