Kawhi Leonard capped a 34-point performance with a tiebreaking 22-footer with four-tenths of a second left, James Harden recorded his third double-double of the season, and the Los Angeles Clippers opened their NBA Cup schedule with a 126-124 home win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.

After the Pelicans, down most of the night, rallied into a 124-all tie with 9.6 seconds left on two Zion Williamson free throws, the Clippers went to Leonard for the final shot and he delivered with a long-range jumper.

Harden finished with 24 points and a game-high 14 assists, while Ivica Zubac put up a double-double of his own with 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for the Clippers, who joined the Los Angeles Lakers as opening-night winners in the NBA Cup's West Group B.

Seeking their fi

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