The LA Clippers won consecutive games for the first time in 2021, after beating the New Orleans Pelicans 111-106 at the Staples Center Wednesday.
The Pelicans missed young star Zion Williamson, who was turned down due to COVID protocols, but a career night from 2nd year player Nickeil Alexander-Walker helped the roadside rally in the 2nd half and test the Clippers down the stretch before they eventually sealed to win.
Ty Lue continued his status starting five this season, with the teams trading baskets in the opening quarter. Marcus Morris Sr. trying to end a bubble in the 1st quarter, but it came off the edge and the teams finished it with a knot at 28-28.
They continued to hold close to the 2nd quarter, before the Clippers went on to pull ahead before halftime, finally pulling away to a 61-43 lead at the break, Paul George leading the path by 21 points. It ended with an impressive 3-point mark at the instrument off an unusual play from Nicolas Batum.
The Clippers held the lead in the 3rd quarter, although the Pelicans split, LA starting with an 18-point lead and finishing the stanza with a 12-point edge.
It was more of the same in the 4th quarter, with the Clippers holding up the upper hand but New Orleans were not ready to throw in the towel. Lue strained his move at night, giving Patrick Beverley, who put in his best defensive performance of the season, heavy minutes, and the coach eventually played just nine players in it. the brightest moments of the night.
While Alexander-Walker poured the Pelicans on him in the 2nd half, scoring 37 points to give all the players speed, the Clippers stars were once again the leaders for their side, with Kawhi Leonard somewhat quiet taking the lead. out 28 points with nine assists and George scoring 27 points. . In this situation, two players turned out to do more than one.
This was a strong achievement from the Clippers, if not completely in control. Aside from Alexander-Walker and Brandon Ingram each scoring at a good crunch, the Pelicans ’main unit was well down in terms of plus / minus and defensively couldn’t hold back LA. For the Clippers, I think it’s hard for Beverley to open the season, but if he can find rhythm and get back to playing effective suppression defense, that should help the Clippers in times of crisis moving forward, and possibly covering up its shortcomings on crime.
The Clippers take action next Friday at Sacramento Kings, for the first meeting of the teams this season.