TITLE: Doncic’s 34, Reaves’ Late Surge Push Lakers Past Short-Handed Pelicans 133-121
SLUG: doncic-reaves-steer-lakers-past-pelicans
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers stretched their winning streak to seven games on Sunday, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 133-121 at Crypto.com Arena despite playing without LeBron James and Marcus Smart.
Who stood out
Luka Doncic powered Los Angeles from the opening tip, pouring in 20 first-quarter points and finishing with a game-high 34 on 9-for-22 shooting. The All-Star guard added 12 rebounds and seven assists, repeatedly exploiting an undermanned Pelicans defense that was missing Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy.
Austin Reaves provided the closing punch. The guard scored 33 points on 11-of-18 shooting, knocking down four of seven attempts from three-point range. Reaves registered eight assists and five rebounds, shouldering the fourth-quarter offense to keep New Orleans at arm’s length.
Frontcourt impact
Center Deandre Ayton controlled the paint with 22 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks, offering efficient pick-and-roll finishes and rim protection that limited the Pelicans’ interior looks.
Game flow
Los Angeles built a comfortable cushion behind Doncic’s early burst, but New Orleans trimmed the deficit after halftime. Reaves steadied the Lakers in the final period, securing the club’s 133-121 victory.
Up next
The Lakers wrap up their back-to-back at home Monday against the Phoenix Suns before embarking on a three-game road trip that opens Thursday versus the Toronto Raptors.
Source: Lakers Nation
