On December 31st, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued with the Clippers visiting the Pelicans. The Pelicans started hot and took control of the game, with a 18-2 run in the second quarter to open up the lead. Powell scored consecutively to narrow the gap, and in the second half, both teams were locked in a seesaw battle. The Clippers caught up in the final quarter, and at the critical moment, Harden made four free throws in a row, helping the Clippers defeat the Pelicans 116-113 and secure their third consecutive win.
In this game, both teams were initially locked in a seesaw battle. The Pelicans had good shooting and took the initiative with both inside and outside scoring. Harden hit consecutive three-pointers to help his team catch up, but the Pelicans responded with more outside shots to regain the lead. Hawkins even hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of the first quarter, giving the Pelicans a six-point lead. In the second quarter, the Clippers' offense suddenly slumped, while the Pelicans continued to score from both inside and outside, launching an 18-2 run to extend the lead to 14 points. Powell scored consecutively to reduce the gap, and by halftime, the Clippers had successfully narrowed the gap to 56-62 behind the Pelicans.
In the second half, the Pelicans maintained their excellent offensive form and continued to suppress the Clippers. Harden scored consecutively, and Xiaoqiongs performed consecutive dunks, successfully reducing the gap. By the end of the third quarter, the gap was down to only three points. In the final quarter, both teams continued to exchange blows. The Pelicans initially held on, but Powell scored consecutively from both inside and outside to help his team take the lead. Jones made a free throw to stop the bleeding, and the Pelicans caught up again. The Clippers missed several opportunities, Murray stole the ball and fouled, Harden made two free throws to take the lead, Mi Xi missed the opportunity to tie the game with one of two free throws, and finally, in the scramble for the ball, Harden made two more free throws to seal the victory. Ultimately, the Clippers defeated the Pelicans.
This game saw the Clippers somewhat relaxed, but fortunately, they managed to regain their shooting touch, coupled with Powell's superb performance in the final quarter, securing the victory. Powell played for 40 minutes, shooting 13 of 27 for a game-high 35 points, including 16 points in the final quarter alone. Harden shot 5 of 10 from beyond the arc for 2 points and 4 assists, sealing the victory with his free throws. Zubac scored 20 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, while Xiaoqiongs added 11 points.
The Pelicans had a hot hand in this game, hitting 18 three-pointers with a shooting percentage close to fifty percent. McCollum played exceptionally well, hitting 8 of 14 three-pointers for 33 points, but unfortunately, he was unable to save the team in the final moments. Additionally, Murray scored 13 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out 8 assists, and made 6 steals, while Murphy and Jones both scored 18 points. They were really just a little short of victory, which is a bit of a pity.