NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Zion Williamson had 22 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, leading the New Orleans Pelicans to snap their four-game losing streak with a thrilling 127-120 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on March 11, 2025. The game exemplified Williamson's dominance, showcasing his ability to rally his team back when the odds seemed stacked against them.
The Pelicans held what appeared to be a commanding lead at one point, thriving on the strength of their shooting. They maintained the high ground early on, building the difference to as much as 21 points during the first half. This surge came as the Clippers struggled, missing 13 of their first 14 attempts beyond the arc. Kicking off the game strong, New Orleans took the lead 28-21 at the end of the first quarter before extending it to 61-40 at halftime.
But the Clippers were not ready to go down without a fight. Slowly but surely, they chipped away at the deficit throughout the game. Los Angeles caught fire, particularly during the third quarter, where they rallied to score 39 points. By the time Ivica Zubac dunked James Harden's lob with 5:08 remaining in the third quarter, the Clippers had climbed back to pull within touching distance.
Zion Williamson, who had found himself at the center of the Pelican's game plan, responded by eleviating the pressure on his teammates when they needed it most. He elevated his game significantly down the stretch, scoring 10 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out five assists during the final quarter alone. His progress culminated with a dazzling coast-to-coast dribble and dunk to make it 98-90 at the final seconds of the third, leaving the crowd roaring with excitement.
CJ McCollum also made significant contributions for the Pelicans, pouring in 23 points. Following him was rookie Trey Murphy III, who added 21 points, capped by his eye-catching reverse alley-oop dunk off McCollum’s lob. The duo combined effectively, causing woes for the Clippers' defense.
For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard emerged as the standout performer with 29 points, showcasing his extraordinary scoring ability. James Harden, contributing not only offensively but also as a playmaker, added 25 points and 17 assists to the mix. Meanwhile, Zubac had his fair share of success under the rim, finishing with 19 points and 11 rebounds, maintaining pressure inside for the Clippers.
Coach Tyronn Lue was not present on the bench due to back pain, as his assistant Brian Shaw filled in for the second consecutive game. Meanwhile, the Pelicans introduced Mo Bamba, who recently signed to a 10-day contract, marking his debut with the team. He managed to collect seven rebounds and block one shot within his 15 minutes of play.
The game showcased not only the competitive nature of both teams but also highlighted the resilience of the Pelicans as they regrouped from earlier struggles. The rough start turned out to give way to resilient spirits, showing promising signs for their upcoming games.
With this victory, the Pelicans improved their standing as they prepare for their next home game against Orlando on March 13, 2025. This match against the Clippers also set the stage for the visiting Clippers as they aim to bounce back with their upcoming match against Miami on March 12, 2025, after earlier winning six of their last seven matchups.
The box score reflected the high-energy output from both squads, with the Pelicans managing to shoot 54.8% from three-point range, clearly utilizing their shooting prowess effectively. What will become of both teams as they head to their next games remains to be seen, yet this matchup certainly illustrated the talent present on the court and the thrill of competition.