Powell and Harden lift the Clippers to a 116-113 comeback victory over the skidding Pelicans

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Norman Powell scored 35 points, James Harden hit go-ahead free throws with 17.9 seconds left and the Los Angeles Clippers held on to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 116-113 on Monday night.

With the Pelicans — losers of 10 straight and 19 of 20 — trying to tie the game, Harden adroitly fouled rookie center Yves Missi, whose 12-point, nine-rebound and five-block performance was tarnished by his missed free throw that could have tied it at 114 with 4.3 seconds left.

Officials prematurely blew the whistle because they thought Missi's foul shot missed the rim. They called for a jump ball at center court after video review.

Ivica Zubac won the tip back to Harden, who made two more free throws with less than two seconds remaining to complete his 27-point performance. CJ McCollum shot from half court and hit the front rim.

Zubac finished with 20 points and 16 rebounds for the Clippers, who've won three straight and five of six.

The Pelicans led by as many as 14 points when Trey Murphy's 3 made it 59-45 late in the second quarter. But the Clippers closed the half on an 11-3 run.

Los Angeles trailed most of the game and never led by more than four.

McCollum hit eight 3s and led New Orleans with 33 points. Murphy and Herb Jones each scored 18, while Dejounte Murray had 13 points, 10 rebounds and six steals.

Clippers: Advantages of 40-35 in rebounding, 56-44 in paint points and 21-11 in made free throws allowed Los Angeles to weather one of New Orleans' better performances in the past month.

Pelicans: Hitting a season-best 18 3s in a game still wasn't enough.

The Clippers converted 14 offensive rebounds into 20 second-chance points.

The Clippers visit San Antonio on Tuesday night. The Pelicans visit Miami on Wednesday.

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Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) dunks past New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)

New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) intercepts a pass in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers in New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)

New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) blocks Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) shot in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden shoots a layup against New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)

Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. attempts a layup against New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden tries to make a move against New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)

New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III celebrates after making a three-pointer in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers in New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) tries to drive past New Orleans Pelicans guard Javonte Green (4) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)

Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell attempts a layup against New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones and guard CJ McCollum in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder won their franchise-record 13th consecutive regular-season game, 116-98 over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.

The Thunder trailed by 16 in the first half before pulling within 52-48 at halftime. Shaking off a cold shooting first half, the Thunder exploded for 42 third-quarter points and an 18-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Gilgeous-Alexander also had a game high eight assists for the Thunder, who are 28-5 and have won 17 of their last 18 regular-season games. He did not play in the fourth quarter.

Jalen Williams scored 18 points and Isaiah Hartenstein added 11 points and nine rebounds for Oklahoma City.

Amir Coffey led the Clippers with 26 points.

After shooting just 31% in the first half, the Thunder wound up at an even 50% for the game and added to their league-leading steal total with 11 takeaways.

Despite the slow start, the Thunder's depth eventually overwhelmed the Clippers, who were without James Harden, a late scratch.

Williams hit a runner at the halftime buzzer to cut the Clippers lead to four, then scored the first six points of the second half to jumpstart a 23-5 run that put the Thunder in control.

Norman Powell came into the game averaging a career high 24.3 points per game. He missed his first nine shots and didn’t get a basket until eight minutes remained, finishing with six points on 1-of-11 shooting including 0-for-5 from 3-point range.

The Thunder continue their homestand Friday night against the Knicks. The Clippers return home to host Atlanta on Saturday with the expected return of Kawhi Leonard.

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Los Angeles Clippers guard Kevin Porter Jr. (77) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams, center, looks to pass the ball away from Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) and guard Kevin Porter Jr. (77) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots over Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, knocks the ball away from Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Los Angeles Clippers guard Amir Coffey (7) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, looks for an outlet as Los Angeles Clippers guard Amir Coffey (7) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)