Herbert Jones blanketed the Clippers at every turn. When Jones and New Orleans’ surging first unit checked out of the game for a breather, Jose Alvarado and crew provided in-your-face defense off the bench.
For a third straight time this season, New Orleans rode stingy defense and some potent three-point shooting to a victory over LA. The Clippers averaged only 92.5 points against the Pelicans in their previous losses, then saw that number drop further when they managed just 89 points Thursday.
New Orleans’ preferred starting lineup improved to 10-5, jumping on the Clippers immediately in a wire-to-wire win.