The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 133-130, at Smoothie King Center on Saturday afternoon.

The Clippers (30-13) checked into the contest looking to secure another win without star Paul George, who was sitting out another game with his hamstring injury. The Pelicans (16-27) were without a key piece themselves in Jrue Holiday (elbow), but it was hardly evident during a scorching first half during which they put up a whopping 80 points. However, Los Angeles put up 72 in its own right, remaining within striking distance and then managed to keep their eight-point deficit from increasing during a third quarter in which each team matched the other bucket for bucket. The visitors would ultimately stage a big comeback in the final period to take a six-point lead with as little as 31.6 seconds remaining, but J.J. Redick set himself up for a potential game-tying three-pointer by draining a 26-footer with 28.3 seconds left. However, the veteran sharpshooter would ultimately fail to find the net on that shot, sending the Clippers home with a narrow win.

Kawhi Leonard led the way for the Clippers with 39 points, adding six rebounds, six assists, five steals and one block. Lou Williams contributed 32 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Montrezl Harrell compiled 24 points, while Landry Shamet furnished 11 points, four rebounds and one assist.

Derrick Favors paced the Pelicans with a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one steal. Brandon Ingram turned in 21 points, seven boards, six assists and one steal. Redick finished with 19 points, two rebounds and two assists. Lonzo Ball contributed an 18-point, 11-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that also included two steals and one block. Jaxson Hayes delivered 14 points, five boards, four assists and one block.

The Clippers next pay a visit to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, while the Pelicans pay a visit to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday afternoon.