Sports
Clippers Secure Victory Against Pelicans in Close Matchup

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Clippers edged out the New Orleans Pelicans 114-111 on April 3, 2025, in a closely contested matchup at Intuit Dome.
The victory featured standout performances from both teams, with the Clippers capitalizing on their home advantage and showcasing their depth in talent. The game attracted an attendance of 17,109 fans, all eager to witness the action.
Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers led the scoring with 28 points, complemented by solid contributions from Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell. Leonard’s performance proved crucial as he shot efficiently from mid-range, pushing the Clippers to a much-needed win.
On the opposite side, the Pelicans saw an impressive outing from Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown, who combined for 45 points. Despite their efforts, the Pelicans were unable to overcome a late surge from the Clippers in the fourth quarter.
“We really focused on our defense in the second half,” said Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue. “That energy helped us secure the win.”
The first quarter set the tone for a back-and-forth battle, with the Clippers leading 29-26. However, the Pelicans responded with a strong second quarter, entering halftime with a slight edge at 57-55.
As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, the intensity heightened. The Clippers tightened their defense, lowering the Pelicans’ field goal percentage to just 40.6% while increasing their own to 50.6%. With less than a minute remaining, the Clippers maintained a narrow lead.
“We’ve faced difficulties closing out games before,” said Pelicans’ forward Olynyk. “This time we gave it our all but came up just short.”
The loss brought the Pelicans to a record of 21-55, while the Clippers improved to 46-29, continuing their push for playoff positioning. With only a few games left in the season, every victory counts for both teams.