LA the Clippers (28-31) beat New Orleans Pelicans (19-43) 137-117 at home on Sunday, March 1. The final margin was 20 points.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Clippers had the better start, winning the first 43-32 to lead by 11 after one. The Pelicans cut into the deficit with a 38-33 second quarter, though the Clippers still led by 6 at halftime.
The Clippers won the third 31-24 to create some separation, taking a 13-point lead into the fourth. The Clippers took the fourth 30-23; the Clippers finished the job for a 137-117 regulation win.
Why it was lopsided
The Clippers took better care of the ball, turning it over on 8% of possessions compared with 15.4% for the Pelicans. The Clippers got more from their shots, finishing at 63.5% effective field-goal shooting compared with 51.7% for the Pelicans. Those extra possessions were crucial.
The Pelicans did win one battle, second chances: ORB% of 33.3% against 27%. The Clippers made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 102 possessions per team, the Clippers produced 134.3 points per 100 possessions to 114.7 for the Pelicans.
The Clippers' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 47-34.
Who stood out
Jordan Miller was the game's biggest individual force for LAC: 19 pts, 2 reb, 8 ast, 3 stl on 5-6 shooting. His Game Score of 24.4 led everyone. His team was -2 with him on the floor.
Jeremiah Fears led the Pelicans with 28 pts, 3 reb, 4 ast on 10-15 shooting, good for a 21.2 Game Score.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Clippers about a 79% chance.
Across the last 4 meetings in our records, LA the Clippers lead 3-1.
The Clippers are now 28-31, and the Pelicans are 19-43. The Clippers last five before this game: W-W-L-L-L.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.