latimes
Darius Garland recorded 24 points and 10 assists, and Brook Lopez contributed 20 points as the Los Angeles Clippers halted a seven-game losing streak with a 139-123 triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night.
Gradey Dick and rookie Keaton Wagler each added 15 points, while Rui Hachimura chipped in 14 for the Clippers, who secured their first win since defeating the Sacramento Kings in the season opener.
Los Angeles seized control with a 15-6 surge to begin the fourth quarter, building a 117-101 advantage and ultimately closing out the game after having let double-digit fourth-quarter leads slip in each of their previous two contests.
Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 26 points, while Zion Williamson and Jeremiah Fears each scored 25 as New Orleans lost its second consecutive game following a four-game winning streak.
Saddiq Bey added 13 points for the Pelicans, who were opening a two-game California road trip.
New Orleans shot 50.6% from the field but was limited to 52 points in the paint after entering the game leading the NBA with 61.6 paint points per game.
The Clippers extended their lead to 124-107 with 4:56 remaining on three free throws from Garland and cruised from there, setting a season high in points.
They shot a season-best 54.8% from the field.
Los Angeles held a 67-60 halftime lead after shooting 52.3% from the floor and getting 14 points from Garland, while Williamson had 17 for the Pelicans.
New Orleans opened the second half with an 18-10 run to take its first lead since the opening minute at 78-77.
The Clippers were without center Isaiah Jackson (groin) and former Pelicans star Brandon Ingram (heel), who is nearing his debut for his new team.
Key Analysis
The Clippers' victory was fueled by a balanced offensive attack and a timely fourth-quarter surge that prevented another late-game collapse. Their season-high point total and efficient shooting underscore the potential that had been missing during the losing streak. For the Pelicans, the loss exposed a vulnerability in the paint, where they were held well below their NBA-leading average, and they will look to rebound on their California trip.
Originally reported by latimes.