Pelicans Hold Off Clippers 105-99, Extend Home Winning Streak | NBA Recap
The New Orleans Pelicans continued their strong run at home, defeating the LA Clippers 105-99 in a gritty matchup on March 20, 2026.
Trey Murphy III Leads the Charge
Trey Murphy III delivered a standout performance, scoring 27 points to power the Pelicans to victory. His scoring touch and timely shooting helped New Orleans maintain control, especially during key stretches of the second half.
Murphy’s performance was the difference-maker in a tightly contested game that never saw a double-digit margin late.
Balanced Attack Fuels Pelicans
New Orleans leaned on a well-rounded effort:
- Saddiq Bey added 20 points
- Zion Williamson contributed 15 points
The Pelicans’ balanced scoring and efficient shooting allowed them to edge out the Clippers in a game defined by small margins.
Their ability to share the ball and hit key shots late proved crucial.
Clippers Struggle Without Key Stars
The Clippers were shorthanded, missing star forward Kawhi Leonard, which impacted their offensive rhythm. Despite the loss, several players stepped up:
- Derrick Jones Jr. led the team with 22 points
- John Collins chipped in 18 points
- Bogdan Bogdanovic added 16 points
However, Los Angeles struggled to close the game, scoring just 15 points in the fourth quarter, which ultimately cost them.
Game Turning Point
The Pelicans pulled away late in the fourth quarter, tightening their defense and capitalizing on missed opportunities by the Clippers.
Their ability to control tempo and execute in clutch moments sealed the win.
Key Stats Snapshot
- Final Score: Pelicans 105, Clippers 99
- Trey Murphy III: 27 points
- Saddiq Bey: 20 points
- Clippers: Fourth straight loss
What This Means
The Pelicans are gaining momentum, extending their home winning streak to seven games and showing resilience despite their position in the standings.
Meanwhile, the Clippers continue to slide, now on a four-game losing streak, raising concerns as the playoff race tightens.
