Lakers Overcome Slow Start, Handle Shorthanded Pelicans 118-104 in NBA Cup Play
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The Los Angeles Lakers shook off their worst outing of the season by defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 118-104 on the road, securing their second victory in Emirates NBA Cup group play.
New Orleans entered the matchup without Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole, but the hosts still opened strong as the Lakers struggled defensively early. Los Angeles found its rhythm in the second quarter, seized control after halftime and never trailed again.
Key performers
Austin Reaves paced the Lakers with 31 points on 9-of-16 shooting, adding seven assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. The guard consistently attacked one-on-one matchups and got to the rim and free-throw line.
Luka Dončić focused on playmaking in the opening period before heating up offensively. The All-Star finished with 24 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds, creating space against Herb Jones and Trey Murphy to score inside and from deep.
Deandre Ayton dominated a smaller Pelicans frontcourt, recording 20 points and 16 rebounds on 10-of-11 shooting. The center collected multiple offensive boards and posted a game-best plus-35 in 36 minutes despite foul trouble.
Up next
The Lakers complete their back-to-back on Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks, then return to Crypto.com Arena to face the Utah Jazz on Tuesday.
Source: Lakers Nation
