LeBron James and Luka Doncic deciding against the Pelicans

The meetings follow each other and are similar for Lakers who use their “clutch attitude” to make the difference in the money time against the Pelicans. A 111-103 victory that bears the mark of the duo LeBron James – Luka Doncic, very active in response to Trey Murphy (42 points).

The game starts at a very high pace, with little defense on both sides. The Lakers first relied on Marcus Smart, the author of several quick baskets, while LeBron James scored 6 points in the first six minutes.
Conversely, Zion Williamson responds with power near the circle. Despite LeBron’s 16 points in that period, Los Angeles leads by only four points (29-25) after twelve minutes.

Dalton Knecht opens the second quarter with a game-winning shot to give the Lakers a seven-point lead. But New Orleans immediately responded and established a constant mano a mano. The Lakers repeatedly clawed back a six-point lead, notably thanks to inside baskets by Luke and DeAndre Ayton, before the Pelicans took the lead (46-44) with a layup by Zion. Just before the break, LeBron and Luca combine spectacularly, but New Orleans finishes strong with a final 6-0 run to lead 54-51 at halftime.

LeBron James is turning the tide

The Pelicans attack well in the second half, increasing their penetration. Trey Murphy III made a series of baskets and increased the lead to 60-53, then to 83-74, the largest deficit in the match, after Karlo Matkovic’s free throws.
The Lakers try to make a comeback with Luke and Smart, but several turnovers interrupt their momentum. At the end of the quarter, LeBron draws a 3-pointer and then finishes the counterattack with a dunk to close the gap. Murphy, however, ends a huge third quarter (20 points) with a basket plus a foul, and New Orleans enters the final act with a 7-point lead (86-79).

LeBron then takes complete control of the match. He scored the first points, created for his teammates and sparked a decisive 18-4 run, punctuated by two game-winning long shots, a 3-pointer by Knecht and baskets in the paint by Ayton. The Lakers are ahead (97-90) but the Pelicans are hanging on but will never get back within four points. In the time of money, like against the GrizzliesLuka sealed the victory with two spectacular 3-point shots, thrown off balance and on the possession signal. Los Angeles won 111-103 and moved back into 3rd place in the Western Conference.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Lebron and Luca continue. In the absence of Austin Reeves, LeBron James finds the ball and his complicity with Luka Doncic. For the second time in a row, they reached 30 points together. Their “one-two punch” is untouchable in the 4th quarter.

L’impact d’Aiton. The Lakers are using Deandre Ayton more and more, and that’s valuable when the offense is stagnant and the game needs to change. Aggressive at the rim, the former Suns center also brings intimidation to the defense.

A career best for Murphy. Sure enough, Trey Murphy scored 42 points, including 20 in the 3rd quarter, to break a career high. But he sputtered a lot going 6 of 17 from 3-point range!

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.