Clippers drop second straight to Pelicans as losing streak hits four
Mar 19, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; LA Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) reacts next to New Orleans Pelicans forward Karlo Matkovic (17) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. NEW ORLEANS - The Los Angeles Clippers just keep finding new ways to lose, and Thursday night was no different as they fell to the New Orleans Pelicans, 105-99, at the Smoothie King Center. It was the second straight loss to the Pelicans in as many nights and the fourth consecutive defeat for the Clippers, who are now 34-36 on the season and sliding at the worst possible time.
Short-Handed and Out of Rhythm The Clippers were without three of their most important offensive players on Thursday, as Kawhi Leonard (ankle sprain), Darius Garland (toe) and Bennedict Mathurin (toe) were all ruled out. Leonard had tried to play through his ankle injury on Wednesday night, but he was visibly limping throughout the game and was far from his usual self, and the team decided to shut him down for the second leg of the back-to-back. Without those three, head coach Tyronn Lue had to piece together a lineup that simply could not generate enough offense to keep up with the Pelicans.
The Clippers shot just 46. 1 percent from the field and an ugly 31. 3 percent from three, while also going just 19-for-32 from the free throw line.
That last number is the one that stings the most, because those 13 missed free throws were the difference in a six-point game. Murphy and Bey Do the Damage New Orleans was led by Trey Murphy III, who poured in 27 points on 9-of-17 shooting while adding five rebounds and two assists. Murphy, who is averaging 22.
1 points, 5. 7 rebounds and 3. 8 assists this season, has been one of the more underrated scorers in the league and he showed exactly why on Thursday night by hitting five threes and attacking the basket with ease.