Kawhi Leonard delivered once again when it mattered most, hitting a game-winning jumper as the Los Angeles Clippers edged the New Orleans Pelicans  in an NBA Cup opener, 126-124 on Saturday Morning (Manila Time).

Both teams entered the matchup reeling. The Clippers were coming off a lopsided loss to the Golden State Warriors, while the Pelicans had dropped four straight, including a 34-point blowout loss to the Denver Nuggets.

The Clippers looked in control early, holding a 10-point lead through three quarters. But the fourth quarter turned into a thriller. New Orleans went on an 11-2 run in two minutes to tie the game at 107 with five minutes left. The lead changed hands multiple times in the final minutes, and after Zion Williamson’s clutch free throws tied it at 124, Leonard calmly delivered a mid-range jumper in the game’s final possession to seal the victory.

Leonard led the way for the Clippers with 34 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 steals, scoring 26 of those points in the second half. James Harden contributed a double-double with 24 points and 14 assists, helping the Clippers withstand New Orleans’ late surge.

For the Pelicans, Jordan Poole came off the bench to provide a spark with 30 points, while Zion Williamson added 29. Despite their efforts, New Orleans fell to 0-5 on the season.

The Clippers will face the Miami Heat in their next matchup, while the Pelicans hope to snap their skid against defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.