The LA Clippers secured a thrilling victory against the New Orleans Pelicans, with a dramatic buzzer-beater by Kawhi Leonard. This game, marking the opener of the NBA Cup, took place in Inglewood, California, on November 1, 2025.
Kawhi Leonard’s Game-Winning Shot
Kawhi Leonard hit a pull-up jumper just inside the 3-point line to clinch the game, bringing his total points to 34 for the evening. The Clippers triumphed over the Pelicans with a score of 126-124.
A Turn of Events
The game took a frantic turn in the final moments. After a turnover by Leonard, Pelicans star Zion Williamson tied the game with two free throws. This set the stage for Leonard’s winning shot, executed over two defenders.
Performance Highlights
- Kawhi Leonard: 34 points on 11-of-16 shooting
- Derrick Jones Jr.: Contributed with a buzzer-beater putback dunk at the end of the first half
- Jordan Poole: Led the Pelicans with 30 points
- Zion Williamson: Added 29 points to his team’s performance
Despite trailing by 17 points in the third quarter, the Pelicans fought back. However, they remain winless this season with a record of 0-5, while the Clippers improved to 3-2.
Historical Context
This buzzer-beater was Leonard’s third career-winning shot, following memorable moments in 2019 and March 2025. Interestingly, the last Halloween buzzer-beater occurred in 2008 when Rudy Gay defeated the Orlando Magic. The Clippers also celebrated a rare victory in their opening NBA Cup game, achieving this milestone after two previous losses.
The game showcased Leonard’s clutch performance and the resilience of the Clippers, highlighting their potential as the NBA season progresses.
