Kawhi Leonard delivered a clutch game-winning jumper at the buzzer to secure a 126-124 victory for the Los Angeles Clippers over the New Orleans Pelicans in their NBA Cup group stage opener on Friday night at the Intuit Dome. This dramatic finish capped a thrilling contest that saw the Clippers overcome a late surge from the Pelicans to start the in-season tournament on a high note.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Clippers building a commanding 17-point lead in the second half, only to see the Pelicans claw back with exceptional three-point shooting. New Orleans finished the game 18 of 37 from beyond the arc, a 48.6% success rate that kept them in contention until the final seconds. Despite this offensive explosion, the Clippers’ resilience and key defensive stops down the stretch allowed them to stay in control for much of the game.
With just 9.6 seconds left on the clock, Zion Williamson tied the score at 124-124 by calmly sinking two free throws, seemingly sending the game to overtime. However, the Clippers inbounded the ball to Leonard, who pump-faked to evade defender Jeremiah Fears before rising for a long two-point shot that found the bottom of the net as the buzzer sounded. The shot echoed Leonard’s history of clutch performances, drawing comparisons to his iconic playoff buzzer-beater with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
Leonard led the Clippers with 34 points, showcasing his trademark efficiency in crunch time and solidifying his role as the team’s primary closer. James Harden was instrumental with 24 points and 14 assists, including a dominant second quarter where he scored 14 points and dished out five assists, highlighted by a four-point play after being fouled on a three-pointer. Derrick Jones Jr. added 16 points, and Ivica Zubac contributed a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, providing crucial interior presence and rebounding.
For the Pelicans, Jordan Poole erupted for 30 points, draining seven three-pointers, while Zion Williamson added 29 points in a losing effort. Despite their offensive outburst, the Pelicans fell to 0-5 on the season, their worst start since the 2016-17 campaign, raising questions about their early-season form and ability to close out games. The team’s struggles have been compounded by defensive issues and an inability to sustain momentum in critical moments.
The Clippers improved to 3-0 at home this season, demonstrating their strength in front of their fans and building early momentum in the Western Conference. However, defensive lapses, particularly in containing the three-point line, nearly cost them the game, as the Pelicans’ hot shooting from deep kept the contest within reach. Coach Ty Lue will likely focus on shoring up perimeter defense in preparation for upcoming matches.
This victory gives the Clippers an early edge in the NBA Cup, the league’s new in-season tournament that adds competitive stakes to regular-season games and offers teams a chance to compete for additional accolades. The win also boosts team morale and confidence as they navigate the early part of the schedule, with aspirations of a deep playoff run.
Looking ahead, the Clippers will host the Miami Heat on Monday, aiming to maintain their perfect home record and continue their strong start. Meanwhile, the Pelicans travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, desperately seeking their first win of the season to turn their fortunes around and avoid further slippage in the standings.