Player Grades: New Orleans Pelicans grind out close win over Los Angeles Clippers

Dec 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) shoots over Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Clippers 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) shoots over Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Clippers 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

After beating the Los Angeles Clippers 102-98, the New Orleans Pelicans sit at 13-21 and four games out of the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

The New Orleans Pelicans used a pivotal fourth quarter performance to defeat the Clippers tonight. Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with 20 points and Buddy Hield also scored 17 points.

Davis played center most of the night and made a key play towards the end of the fourth quarter. When DeAndre Jordan was attempting to inbound the ball behind the Pelicans basket, Davis tipped the pass and made a short floater, making the score 101-93 with under 2 minutes remaining. The entire team was in sync tonight and they all were able to pull out a hard fought W against one of the best teams in the Western Conference.

Next: Rotation changes as Pels get healthy and familiar