New Orleans Pelicans vs LA Clippers: did Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III tilt the fourth quarter at Smoothie King Center?

The New Orleans Pelicans moved to 25-46 and the the LA Clippers to 34-36 after a 105-99 result at 8:00 PM EDT at Smoothie King Center. The New Orleans Pelicans vs LA Clippers match summary started with New Orleans posting 28 in the first quarter and finishing with 105-99 behind 50 rebounds and 21 assists.

First quarter

The Pels took the opening quarter 28-26 while shooting 47 percent from the field for the game and building toward 13 made 3 pointers. New Orleans logged 44 points in the paint for the game, and Zion Williamson’s 15 points from the previous game framed the interior pressure that showed up again in the team paint totals. The Clippers stayed close behind 26 first-quarter points and 11 steals on the night, which matched the Pels at 11.

Second quarter

New Orleans added a 27-26 edge in the second quarter, and the Pels’ 18 made free throws on 82 percent separated possessions in a game that had 14 ties. The Clippers generated 32 free throw attempts but hit 59 percent, leaving room for New Orleans to keep control despite 16 turnovers. Trey Murphy III’s 27 points in the previous game set a scoring reference for a New Orleans group that ended at 105 even with 0 fast-break points.

Third quarter

The teams matched at 32-32 in the third quarter, and New Orleans held up with an effective field goal rate of 56 percent against the Clippers at 53 percent. The Pels produced 11 points off turnovers while the Clippers produced 13, reflecting how both defenses turned 16 giveaways into usable offense. Yves Missi’s 11 rebounds in the previous game underscored a frontcourt theme that carried into a 50-50 rebound tie.

Fourth quarter

New Orleans closed the fourth quarter 18-15 and finished with a biggest lead of 8 while leading for 26:09 overall. The Clippers’ bench produced 34 points compared with 21 for the Pels, and Los Angeles still finished at 99 on 46 percent shooting. New Orleans Pelicans vs LA Clippers key moments included the Pels holding the Clippers to 31 percent from 3, and New Orleans also held Los Angeles to 20 assists while posting 2 blocks.

What the numbers said

New Orleans posted an offensive rating of 110 and a defensive rating of 102, while the Clippers posted an offensive rating of 102 and a defensive rating of 110. Saddiq Bey’s 20 points and 6 assists in the previous game offered a snapshot for a supporting cast that helped New Orleans offset 16 turnovers with 38 percent 3-point shooting. The New Orleans Pelicans match rating in this one leaned on 60 percent true shooting and 32 defensive rebounds that limited Los Angeles to 10 second-chance points.

Next on the schedule

New Orleans Pelicans vs LA Clippers final thoughts turn quickly to the next broadcast at 7:00 PM EDT on 2026-03-21, with the Cleveland Cavaliers visiting the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fans can watch on FDSOH, Gulf Coast Sports, or Pelicans+ and then run it back by sharing this article with other Pels fans.