The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 126-103, in an NBA seeding game in Orlando on Saturday afternoon.

The Clippers (45-21) were looking to get into the win column after dropping a two-point decision to the rival Los Angeles Lakers in their restart opener Thursday, and they managed to establish the tone early against a Pelicans (28-38) squad that was in dire need of a win in their quest to chase down the No. 8-seeded Memphis Grizzlies. Los Angeles had extended a 12-point first-quarter lead to 32 points by halftime, essentially putting the game away for all practical purposes. New Orleans managed to score 37 points in the last 12 minutes to make the loss a tad less lopsided, but the Pelicans saw only two members of its starting five score in double digits.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Pelicans off the bench with 15 points over 12 minutes. Brandon Ingram provided 14 points and two rebounds. Derrick Favors managed 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Frank Jackson and J.J. Redick turned in matching 11-point tallies, with Jackson adding six assists and five rebounds. Lonzo Ball (seven points) and Jrue Holiday (four points) turned in underwhelming efforts, while Zion Williamson was limited to 14 minutes and furnished seven points and five rebounds.

Paul George paced the Clippers with 28 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, one assist and three steals. Kawhi Leonard registered 24 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Reggie Jackson headed back to the second unit and compiled 15 points, eight boards, two assists and two steals. Patrick Beverley and Marcus Morris posted nine points each, with Beverley also contributing four rebounds, three assists and one steal.

The Pelicans are back on the court Monday evening, when they'll take on the Grizzlies in a matchup critical to New Orleans' playoff hopes. The Clippers will return to action Tuesday afternoon, when they'll face the Phoenix Suns.