The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 116-106, in Group Play of the NBA In-Season Tournament at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.

New Orleans started this game on a 33-12 run and held the lead for all but a handful of minutes in this game. With that said, LA made the game competitive behind a 32-20 second quarter, with there being seven ties and four lead changes in the third quarter. The Clippers could never get over that big deficit, though, with New Orleans starting the final frame on a 22-11 to take control. The Pelicans shot 49 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 74 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Clippers to 46 percent from the field, 28 percent from long range and 65 percent from the charity stripe. New Orleans also out-rebounded Los Angeles, 59-48.

The Pelicans (9-7) were led by Zion Williamson, finishing with 32 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Brandon Ingram tallied 30 points, four rebounds and five assists. Herbert Jones had 14 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Jonas Valanciunas totaled 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

The Clippers (6-8) were led by Paul George, providing 34 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Kawhi Leonard compiled 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Ivica Zubac amassed 11 points and five rebounds, while James Harden accrued eight points, five rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Norman Powell led the bench with 20 points and three steals.

Both teams have to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, with LA staying home to face the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans traveling to face the Utah Jazz.