In a crucial fourth quarter, C.J. McCollum and Zion Williamson spearheaded the New Orleans Pelicans to a 117-106 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
McCollum’s Fourth Quarter Brilliance
C.J. McCollum showcased his scoring prowess by netting 13 of his 25 points in the final quarter, contributing significantly to the Pelicans’ victory.
Dominant Performance by Zion Williamson
Despite playing through a bone bruise in his left foot, Zion Williamson displayed his dominance with 21 points and a career-high tying 10 assists. Williamson’s exceptional performance in the fourth quarter included 13 points, where he took over the game with unstoppable drives to the basket.
Zion Williamson Tonight 💪
21 Points (13 in the 4th)
10 Assists
3 Rebounds
2 Blocks
1 Steal pic.twitter.com/CYdqBxca7Y— Ingram Alerts (@IngramAlerts) February 8, 2024
Pelicans’ Balanced Scoring
Brandon Ingram chipped in with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III contributed 13 points each, highlighting the Pelicans’ balanced scoring attack.
Brandon Ingram Tonight
15 Points
8 Rebounds
6 Assists
2 Steals
1 Block
7/14 FG
+14 +/- pic.twitter.com/WU42LZdux1— Ingram Alerts (@IngramAlerts) February 8, 2024
End of Clippers’ Winning Streak
The victory halted the Los Angeles Clippers’ four-game winning streak, as they struggled to contain the Pelicans’ offensive onslaught in the final quarter.
Clippers’ Fatigue Evident
Playing their eighth game in 13 days, the Clippers appeared fatigued, especially in the first quarter, where they fell behind by 17 points. Despite efforts to rally, they couldn’t overcome the Pelicans’ determined performance.
Impact of Brutal Schedule
The Clippers’ challenging schedule, including a recent road trip and a quick turnaround to play at home, likely contributed to their lackluster performance.
Notable Performances
James Harden and Norman Powell led the Clippers with 19 and 18 points, respectively. However, Paul George struggled, missing his first nine shots before finding his rhythm in the second half.
Injuries and Returns
Jonas Valanciunas left the game in the second quarter due to a bruised right calf, while Herb Jones and Ivica Zubac also faced injuries during the game. Naji Marshall was sidelined for the Pelicans due to a back injury.
Looking Ahead
The Pelicans’ victory sets a positive tone for their four-game road trip, while the Clippers aim to bounce back from this defeat in their upcoming games.
"Man I’m having a lot of fun. Got a lot of shooters out there and they’re gonna knock the shots down"
— Zion Williamson on if he enjoys playing Point Zion pic.twitter.com/ovYxx85Y5Z
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) February 8, 2024
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