With their defeat of the New Orleans’ Pelicans the Los Angeles Lakers have now won five out of their last six contests
The Lakers came in ranked sixth in scoring, and continued their high scoring trend tonight. They have now won five of the last six, and three of the last four on the road. Every Lakers game this season has been exciting, and this one was no exception.
The first frame was close, but LA used a strong end to the first quarter to lead 30 to 26. In the second half, the Pelicans hung tough, but the Purple and Gold had other ideas.
Lou Williams paced the scoring, collecting 14 points in the first half Nick Young also chipped in with efficient shooting from outside, with 3 threes in the first half. However, the Pelicans battled back behind Anthony Davis to close the gap. Buddy Hield rattled in a three in the closing seconds to give the Pelicans a 56-55 lead.
At halftime, the Lakers scoring and assist leader was Lou Williams with 14 points and 4 assists. Nick Young and Brandon Ingram had 9, and Julius Randle also chipped in with 7 rebounds. For the Pelicans, Anthony Davis led with 21 points and 5 rebounds in the first half alone. He was a force in the post, and surely the Lakers discussed containing him during their halftime meeting.
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The Lakers started the third quarter with 3 straight threes by D’Angelo Russell to retake the lead early. Davis continued his strong offensive showing, however he went down early in the third quarter with a back injury.
He would return by the end of the quarter, but his momentary loss was immediately felt. Timofey Mozgov took advantage, hitting some outside jumpers, and that, combined with Davis’ absence, opened the floor for the Lakers.
The lead quickly ballooned to as high as 15 points for the Lakers. However, Davis returned and the Pelicans immediately battled back. Los Angeles fended off the charge though, and entered the fourth leading 84 to 71. The Lakers had 11 assists on 11 made field goals in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was still close, but this time the Lakers had a double-digit point cushion throughout. A scary moment did occur midway through the fourth when Brandon Ingram rolled an ankle. He was re-taped and able to play though he would not return. By that point though the lead was near 20 and the game well in hand.
Jordan Clarkson led the way with 23 points. He also added 3 rebounds while hitting 4-6 from downtown. Russell had 22, and Lou Williams finished with 21. Nick Young also paced the team with 15, continuing his strong play. LA finished the game with five players in double figures and hit 16 three pointers, shooting 50% from the field and from distance.
For the Pelicans, Anthony Davis finished with 34 points and 8 rebounds. He appeared to have labored after his injury in the second half but had a strong showing throughout. Buddy Hield had 18 and Langston Galloway chipped in with 12. Tim Frazier had 4 points but also collected 10 assists. The Pelicans poor shooting (43% from the field, 30% from three) combined with a third quarter drought ultimately did them in.
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The Lakers have another chance to continue their strong play Sunday as they roll into Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves.