The Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to five games on Saturday night with a hard-fought 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The game showcased yet another dominant performance from Anthony Davis, who poured in 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s elite big men. Davis, who had just come off a 40-point, 12-rebound performance in San Antonio the night before, reached the 30-point mark for the eighth time in 12 games this season, continuing to cement his early-season All-Star candidacy.
LeBron James, despite missing out on a fifth consecutive triple-double, was instrumental in the Lakers’ win. James finished with 21 points, and while his passing game wasn’t as dominant as in recent games, he hit two crucial three-pointers in the final minutes to secure the win for Los Angeles. His clutch shooting helped the Lakers withstand a late rally from the Pelicans, who had led by as many as 10 points at halftime.
One of the more notable performances of the night came from rookie Dalton Knecht, who earned a spot start for the Lakers and responded with a career-high 27 points. Knecht was on fire from beyond the arc, hitting five three-pointers, and his sharp shooting provided a significant lift to the Lakers’ offense. While his performance wasn’t expected, Knecht’s ability to step up in a big moment showed his potential and gave the Lakers depth beyond their established stars.
For the Pelicans, Brandon Ingram led the way with 32 points, offering a strong offensive showing despite the loss. Ingram’s ability to score from anywhere on the floor kept the game close, but New Orleans ultimately couldn’t overcome a tough second-half performance by the Lakers. Reserve Jaylen Nowell also contributed with 16 points off the bench, providing some much-needed scoring for a Pelicans team that has struggled with injuries and consistency this season.
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The Pelicans, now losers of 10 of their last 12 games, were playing without several key players. Trey Murphy III was given the night off as he continues his recovery from a preseason hamstring injury, and while the team was already depleted, New Orleans showed heart and grit. Despite only having 10 players in uniform, the Pelicans fought hard and managed to hold a 56-46 lead at halftime. Their energy and defensive effort kept them competitive, but they ultimately fell short in the second half.
The key moment of the game came late in the fourth quarter when Ingram knocked down a clutch three-pointer to give the Pelicans a two-point lead. With the game on the line, LeBron James responded in typical fashion, hitting two consecutive three-pointers to put the Lakers ahead 101-97 with just 37 seconds remaining. Those back-to-back shots sealed the win for Los Angeles, highlighting James’ ability to perform in crunch time despite not having his usual all-around impact.
While the Lakers’ offense was certainly firing, their defense was equally important in securing the win. Los Angeles outscored the Pelicans 52-40 in the paint, dominating inside with Davis leading the charge. The Lakers’ physicality in the paint helped them control the game down the stretch, particularly after New Orleans had built up a lead at halftime. In addition to Davis’ presence, the Lakers also forced key turnovers and played solid team defense when it mattered most.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, were hampered by their lack of depth. Despite strong performances from Ingram and Nowell, they couldn’t quite hold on in the second half. The absence of Trey Murphy III was felt, especially given the Pelicans’ ongoing injury woes, and the lack of consistent scoring options outside of Ingram and Nowell made it difficult to keep pace with the Lakers down the stretch.
The Lakers also dealt with their own injury concerns, with Cam Reddish sitting out the game due to a lower right leg injury. Reddish had left Friday’s game in San Antonio early, and while his absence was felt, the Lakers had enough firepower to get the job done. Austin Reaves, while contributing 10 points, struggled with his shooting, missing seven of his nine attempts from beyond the arc, but his presence in other areas of the game helped make up for his shooting woes.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will return to NBA Cup action on Tuesday night, where they will face the Utah Jazz at home. With their current five-game winning streak, the Lakers will look to continue building momentum in the NBA Cup and further establish themselves as a contender in the Western Conference. The Pelicans, meanwhile, will resume NBA Cup group play on the same night, traveling to Dallas to take on the Mavericks in what is shaping up to be another tough matchup.
Takeaways:
Lakers: Anthony Davis continues to dominate, while LeBron James’ clutch shooting ensures the Lakers remain a force in the West. Rookie Dalton Knecht’s career-high performance shows the Lakers have depth beyond their stars. However, the absence of Cam Reddish and Austin Reaves’ shooting struggles highlight areas that need improvement.
Pelicans: Despite key injuries, New Orleans fought hard but came up short. Brandon Ingram’s 32-point performance wasn’t enough to overcome the Lakers’ second-half push. The Pelicans will need more from their supporting cast if they hope to turn their season around.
Key Stat: The Lakers dominated the paint, outscoring the Pelicans 52-40, a significant factor in their win, especially as the game grew more physical in the second half.
Up Next:
The Lakers return to NBA Cup action on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz, looking to extend their winning streak. The Pelicans, facing a tough road ahead, will look to bounce back as they resume NBA Cup play in Dallas on the same night.
