The Clippers have completed a stunning comeback, overcoming a 14-point deficit to defeat the Pelicans 116-113, thanks to Powell's explosive performance. The Pelicans were on the verge of victory, but the Clippers refused to let them have it, snatching away what should have been their win at the last moment. The game was like a roller coaster, with ups and downs that made everyone hold their breath.
Soon after the game started, the Pelicans seized the opportunity to take the lead. They were in good form, especially McCollum, who started firing three-pointers one after another, making the Clippers' defense struggle. At one point, the Pelicans led by 5 points, and when McCollum hit a buzzer-beater three-pointer, everyone wondered if they could finally hold on and secure this long-awaited victory.
But the Clippers fought back. Zubac attacked several times in the paint, not giving the Pelicans any breathing room, helping the Clippers overtake the score. Harden's three-pointers also seemed to have found their touch, hitting several key shots to stabilize the team's morale. Everyone began to suspect that Harden might really be the one who could carry the team.
In the second quarter, the Pelicans still hadn't completely relaxed their vigilance, continuing to try to expand their lead, even leading by 8 points at one stage. This is when Powell of the Clippers began to show his power. You have to say, Powell is really a tough character to deal with. He suddenly went on a scoring spree on the court, especially with his consecutive 15 points, directly reducing the Pelicans' lead and putting them under great psychological pressure. At halftime, although the Pelicans were still ahead, their advantage had become negligible, leaving only 6 points.
The Clippers seemed to have found their rhythm, and everyone knew that the game had just begun. It wouldn't be easy for the Pelicans to win anymore. In the second half, McCollum of the Pelicans continued to perform well, with outside three-pointers that once gave the Pelicans a 12-point lead. But you can't overlook the Clippers' resilience. Harden and Derrick Jones led the bench lineup to chase step by step, and before they knew it, the gap narrowed to 5 points.
You have to say, the Clippers' mentality is really something else. They absolutely didn't give up, fighting until the very end. And the Pelicans may have missed the opportunity to pull away and ultimately kill the opponent in those few minutes.
In the fourth quarter, it was Powell's time to shine. In the last four minutes, he scored 16 points like he was on steroids, leveling the score and successfully overtaking. Do you feel that Powell is like an all-around warrior, capable of delivering fatal blows to the Pelicans with each attack, leaving them gasping for air?
Then, as the game entered its final seconds, the score was tied, and the Clippers left the Pelicans with a chance for a decisive blow, but the Pelicans couldn't seize it. At this point, Harden stood out, making two free throws to stabilize the situation on the court. The Clippers completed the reversal with a score of 116-113, crushing the Pelicans' last hope.
Some netizens commented: Although Harden wasn't so dazzling at first, it was his calmness and two free throws that helped the Clippers secure the victory. Honestly, Harden, this kind of big-game player, really holds his ground.
The Pelicans, who were leading, were eventually reversed by Powell and Harden, which makes people wonder what they are lacking. The Pelicans played a heart-wrenching game. Look, McCollum scored 33 points and made 8 three-pointers, performing heroically, but the team couldn't hold on. Especially Powell's burst of scoring, which directly wiped out their advantage, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt the Pelicans might have missed the victory.
These Pelicans players, although they performed well, seem to lack the stability to suppress the opponent in critical moments. Especially when leading, they couldn't maintain their rhythm, ultimately giving the Clippers an opportunity.
Undoubtedly, the winner of this game is the Clippers. Powell's 35 points and 3 rebounds can be said to be the key factor in the game. Speaking of Powell, he really deserves applause. This kid always stands out in critical moments, bringing momentum to the team. Zubac's 20 points and 16 rebounds were also crucial, especially his dominance in the paint, which the Pelicans' interior defense couldn't fully contain.
As for Harden, although his performance fluctuated throughout the game, he still managed to stabilize the situation with free throws in the critical moments. This kind of performance from key players can be said to be the core of this victory.
Another netizen expressed: The Clippers really had a tough game, as the Pelicans' counterattack was too strong. But Powell's burst was just too fierce. Until the very end, he was the one who held up under pressure, bringing hope to the Clippers. While the Pelicans' players tried hard, they obviously didn't maintain their mentality in critical moments, instead being caught off guard by the Clippers.
Although the Pelicans performed well in this game, they failed to seize the opportunity, ultimately allowing the Clippers to complete the reversal. The Clippers' ranking in the West has risen to fifth, surpassing the Lakers, and this victory has further solidified their hopes for the playoffs. On the other hand, after losing a game that should have been theirs, the Pelicans' future games may become more challenging, as the absence of Ingram and Zion remains a reality they must face.
This game not only brought tension and excitement to the fans but also deep reflection on the future of both teams. Can the Pelicans stabilize themselves in the next games and find solutions? And can the Clippers continue to maintain this efficient reversal ability? We hope they can bring us more surprises in future games.