The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 111-95, at Smoothie King Center on Friday night.

The Clippers (22-12) found a worth adversary early on in the host Pelicans (21-15), which battled them to a 26-26 tie through one. However, Los Angeles would go on to alter the dynamic of the game during the middle periods, outscoring New Orleans by a 66-42 margin in that span to make the final period a formality. The visitors shot 48.8 percent, including 41.7 percent from three-point range, while limiting the home squad to 35.9 percent shooting overall, a paltry figure that came despite 41.4 percent shooting from behind the arc.

Paul George led the Clippers with 24 points, adding seven rebounds, one assist and one block. Kawhi Leonard furnished 19 points, nine boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Ivica Zubac supplied 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Norman Powell delivered 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Jonas Valanciunas paced the Pelicans with a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist and one bock. Jordan Hawkins matched Valanciunas' scoring and added one rebound. Zion Williamson and C.J. McCollum generated matching 12-point, six-rebound, one-steal tallies. Brandon Ingram matched his teammate's scoring contributions and added four assists and one rebound.

The Clippers head back home to face the Lakers in a designated road game on Sunday night, while the Pelicans visit the Sacramento Kings on Sunday evening.