This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
On Thursday night, the New Orleans Pelicans hosted the Los Angeles Clippers in a highly anticipated matchup, and it was the Pelicans who emerged victorious, defeating the Clippers 132-127.
Leading the charge for the Pelicans was Jrue Holiday, who scored a season-high 36 points, breaking out of a shooting slump to outduel Paul George, who returned from off-season surgery on both shoulders to score 33 points in 24 minutes.
Frank Jackson added 23 points, Derrick Favors had 20 points and 20 rebounds, JJ Redick scored 19, and E'Twaun Moore had 15 as the Pelicans won just their third game of the season.
The Clippers, meanwhile, were led by Lou Williams, who scored 31 points, Rodney McGruder had 20, and Montrezl Harrell added 18. Kawhi Leonard, the other marquee off-season acquisition, did not suit up after playing 41 minutes in a 102-93 loss at Houston the night before.
The Pelicans led 72-59 at halftime, but the Clippers cut the deficit to four in the third quarter, with George scoring seven of his team's first 11 points. The score was tied three times before the Clippers took a 97-96 lead after three quarters.
However, the Pelicans produced the seventh and final lead change of the fourth quarter, with Holiday making a three-pointer that put New Orleans ahead 117-115 with 3:27 remaining. Jackson sealed the victory with a three-pointer with 29 seconds left, and two late free throws by JJ Redick.
Other results from around the league included the Chicago Bulls losing to the Milwaukee Bucks 115-124, the Atlanta Hawks falling to the Phoenix Suns 112-128, the Miami Heat defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 108-97, and the Brooklyn Nets losing to the Denver Nuggets 93-101.
Report by Sky Sports, published on November 15, 2019.
