Zion Williamson's triple-double propels Pelicans past Clippers

Field Level Media|published: Tue 11th March, 22:52 2025

Mar 11, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles around Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Zion Williamson had his second career triple-double while leading a balanced scoring effort as the host New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 127-120 on Tuesday night.

Williamson finished with 22 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds just 11 days after recording his first triple-double. CJ McCollum posted 23 points and seven assists, Trey Murphy III had 21 points, Karlo Matkovic added 15, Jose Alvarado had 14 and Bruce Brown scored 12 and Jordan Hawkins added 11 for the Pelicans, who ended a four-game skid.

Kawhi Leonard scored 29 points, James Harden had 25 points and 17 assists, and Ivica Zubac had 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers, who were coached by assistant Brian Shaw for a second consecutive game while head coach Tyronn Lue is sidelined because of back pain. Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. scored 11 points apiece.

The Pelicans led by 10 at halftime, but the Clippers used a 7-0 run to get within 65-62 on a 3-pointer from Nicolas Batum. New Orleans increased the lead to seven points before Leonard made two 3-pointers and Harden sank one during an 11-2 run that gave L.A. its first lead of the game, 77-75.

New Orleans scored the next five points and the lead changed hands two more times before Murphy made two 3-pointers and McCollum hit one, helping the Pelicans take a 98-90 lead at the end of the quarter.

Alvarado made treys to start and finish a 12-3 run as New Orleans expanded the lead to 17. The Clippers chipped away and got within four with 2:33 left, but Williamson responded by scoring on a drive.

Los Angeles got within three before Williamson made two free throws and fed Alvarado for a layup with 24 seconds left that made it 123-116.

The Pelicans built an 11-point lead before the Clippers trimmed it to 28-21 at the end of the opening period.

New Orleans used a 15-2 run that featured seven straight points by Matkovic to produce a 20-point lead. Los Angeles crept within 13 points before Alvarado made two 3-pointers and the Pelicans took their biggest lead, 55-34.

Leonard scored six points and Harden added five to help the Clippers get within 61-51 entering halftime.

--Field Level Media

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