Without Anthony Davis or Blake Griffin, one figured today's matinee in Los Angeles was going to be dull and boring. Funny how often general sentiment can get it wrong!
The first quarter started promisingly. The Pelicans led 17-11 entering the first timeout, having hit 7-12 from the floor and 3-5 from downtown. Following the quick break, the Clippers ran off 8 straight points to seize the lead; however, the Pelicans were able to recover, thanks to several bad Clipper turnovers, and finished the quarter on a 7-0 run of their own. They led 24-19, and Ryan Anderson was the leading scorer with 9 points on 4-6 shooting.