3. The Return vs. New Orleans Pelicans – Nov. 27
If you were to ask Anthony Davis what his first game back in New Orleans meant to him, he would have most likely said it was just another game. However, one would assume that he had this game circled on his calendar since the NBA schedule was released.
This was about as hectic of an environment for a returning player since LeBron James’ return to Cleveland following his first departure. With the memory of the sour ending of Davis’ tenure in New Orleans still in their minds, fans rained boos down on the Lakers’ big man all game long.
To Anthony Davis’ credit, he was able to tune the crowd out en route to a 41-point outburst against his former team.
Anthony Davis could not be stopped. He shot 50 percent from the field and got to the free-throw line 12 times. To sweeten the pot he also collected nine rebounds with a block and three steals.
The game was much closer than most people thought it would be. The Lakers came out of the gate slow, allowing the young Pelicans team to jump out to a 13-point first-quarter lead. Thanks to the greatness of Anthony Davis, the Lakers were able to fight back into the game.
They outscored New Orleans by 14 in the final quarter. Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers were able to escape New Orleans with the victory, thanks in large part to the fitting steal on Jrue Holiday‘s inbounds pass that led to a pair of free throws to seal the ballgame.