Clippers Lead Pelicans 67-60 at Halftime on November 8, 2026

The Los Angeles Clippers held a narrow 67-60 lead over the New Orleans Pelicans at the conclusion of the second period on November 8, 2026. A late-period push from the Pelicans, capped by a Jeremiah Fears floating bank shot, narrowed the gap, but the Clippers maintained control heading into the break following a pair of free throws from Kris Dunn.

Clippers Maintain Edge Through High-Intensity Second Quarter

The contest between the Pelicans and Clippers has remained a tight, physical affair defined by defensive pressure and frequent trips to the charity stripe. Following a turnover by Dejounte Murray early in the period, Gradey Dick capitalized with a driving dunk, but the Pelicans responded quickly. Trendon Watford’s putback layup briefly leveled the score at 30-30, setting the tone for a period marked by rapid momentum shifts and persistent tactical fouls.

The Clippers began to pull away midway through the quarter, aided by Darius Garland's playmaking. Garland’s three-point jump shot at the 8:44 mark, assisted by Brook Lopez, extended the Los Angeles lead to 38-34.

Shortly thereafter, a running layup from Lopez and a dunk by Rui Hachimura pushed the margin further. By the 6:30 mark, a three-point running jump shot from Garland gave the Clippers a 47-38 advantage, forcing a Pelicans timeout.

PELICANS at CLIPPERS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | November 8, 2026

Zion Williamson Helps Pelicans Stay Close Despite Turnovers

The Pelicans struggled with ball security throughout the middle of the period, recording several turnovers that allowed the Clippers to generate transition opportunities. Despite these setbacks, Zion Williamson emerged as a central figure for New Orleans, contributing both in the paint and at the free-throw line.

Williamson’s late-period activity, including a driving layup and a successful free throw following a foul by Rui Hachimura, helped keep the Pelicans within striking distance. The physical nature of the game resulted in a high volume of free-throw attempts for both squads.

Player	Free Throws Made
Derik Queen	4
Zion Williamson	4
Kris Dunn	4
Trey Murphy III	2
Dejounte Murray	2
Derrick Jones Jr.	2
Baba Miller	4

Clippers Secure Lead as Darius Garland Seals Period

As the clock ticked down toward the end of the period, the Clippers continued to rely on their perimeter shooting and interior defensive presence. Max Strus hit a critical three-pointer with 52 seconds remaining, pushing the Los Angeles lead to 64-56. The Pelicans countered with a driving layup from Jeremiah Fears and a pair of free throws from Trey Murphy III, but the Clippers responded in kind.

A defensive lapse in the closing seconds allowed Darius Garland to record a steal off Zion Williamson, effectively sealing the 67-60 scoreline as the period expired.

While the Clippers hold the lead, the Pelicans’ ability to generate second-chance opportunities through offensive rebounds—highlighted by Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson—remains a factor that could influence the second half. The question remains whether the Pelicans, led by the scoring efforts of Jeremiah Fears, can sustain this intensity against a Clippers rotation that has effectively utilized Kris Dunn and Brook Lopez to manage the tempo.