NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Pelicans found redemption with a 129-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, improving to 7-3 since their disheartening loss to the Lakers in the In-Season Tournament semifinal. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram each scored 26 points, leading the Pelicans’ charge against a road-weary Lakers squad.
Reflecting on the previous loss, Williamson said, “It definitely brought us together more as a team. I feel like we’ve been playing great since then.” LeBron James scored 34 points for the Lakers, with Anthony Davis contributing 20 points and 10 rebounds. However, their efforts were not enough as the Lakers lost their seventh game in the last nine outings.
The Lakers, who were coming off a 108-106 loss at Minnesota and landed in New Orleans early Sunday morning, struggled to keep pace with the energetic Pelicans. CJ McCollum added 22 points for New Orleans, who capitalized on their 50% shooting from the three-point line (17 of 34). Jose Alvarado, known for his defensive prowess, contributed four steals and two blocks.
Pelicans coach Willie Green acknowledged the team’s desire to make amends for their previous performance against the Lakers, saying, “The way we lost the game, you want to redeem yourself.”
The game marked the fourth occasion where the Pelicans’ “Big Three” of Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum each scored 20 or more points, with the team winning all such games. Green praised their ability to score and share the ball.
The Lakers played without forwards Cam Reddish (adductor) and D’Angelo Russell (back), while Rui Hachimura left the game with a left calf strain. The Pelicans were missing Trey Murphy III (left knee).
Despite Murphy’s absence, New Orleans showcased their deep shooting prowess, with McCollum sinking six 3-pointers. The Pelicans led by 19 points in the second quarter, buoyed by three 3-pointers from Herb Jones and Alvarado’s steals against James and Davis.
James, who played through flu-like symptoms, expressed the team’s fatigue, saying, “The flight last night did not help, obviously. We didn’t get to the hotel last until 3:45 (a.m.).”
The Pelicans established a commanding 74-57 halftime lead and maintained control throughout the game, delighting the New Year’s Eve crowd with their energetic play.
The Lakers will look to bounce back as they host Miami on Wednesday, beginning a five-game homestand. The Pelicans continue their homestand, hosting the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday.
