Clippers Secure Key Win Over Pelicans in Tight Playoff Race

Los Angeles remains tied for seventh in the Western Conference after defeating New Orleans 114-98, with standout performances from Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.

The Clippers improved to 44-32 with a dominant 114-98 victory over the Pelicans, marking their 12th win in the last 15 games.
Kawhi Leonard led the team with 28 points on efficient shooting, while James Harden contributed 21 points, 10 assists, and surpassed Eric Gordon for 10th place on the Clippers' all-time three-point list.
Ivica Zubac recorded his 53rd double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds, bolstering the Clippers' balanced offensive effort.
The Clippers remain tied with the Timberwolves and Grizzlies for seventh in the Western Conference, just half a game behind the sixth-seeded Warriors, with six games left to secure a top-six seed and avoid the play-in tournament.
The Pelicans, eliminated from playoff contention and missing key players Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum for the season, struggled offensively, shooting just 4-for-22 from three-point range.