Big night from Sadiq Bey, Bryce McGowens not enough to get Lakers past Luka Doncic and Lakers
LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic scored 20 of his 34 points in the first quarter and the Los Angeles Lakers raced to their seventh straight victory, 133-121 over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night.
Doncic also had 12 rebounds and seven assists to help the Lakers win for the 13th time in 15 games. Austin Reaves added 33 points and eight assists, Deandre Ayton had 22 points and 12 rebounds and Rui Hachimura scored 14 points.
“In the first quarter, they were in rhythm and we couldn’t get a stop,” said Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego.
LeBron James sat out to rest a sore left foot. He made his season debut Nov. 18 and played in four games after recovering from sciatica.
Saddiq Bey had 22 points and 11 rebounds, recording his fourth double double of the season. Bryce McGowens added a career-high 23 points for the Pelicans, who have lost 11 of their last 12 games. McGowens’ previous career-high was 22, scored in his rookie season when he played for the Charlotte Hornets.
“He’s been great,” Borrego said of McGowens. “His ability to get downhill and make plays. He’s an aggressive downhill driver. He’s making plays for his teammates. I like his size and length on the ball. Overall, he’s just competing. Every time he’s on the floor, good things happen.”
The Pelicans three rookie draft picks all reached double figures. Jeremiah Fears scored 21 points. Derik Queen scored Micah Peavy scored 15 and Micah Peavy had 13. Peavy knocked down three 3-pointers.
“Great for his confidence,” Borrego said about Peavy’s shooting. “He’s been working on it every day. To see a couple go through the net, it’s got to feel good. He’s got to build on it. Build on that confidence. Trust your shot. We want him taking those open looks. The ball was kicked out to him a couple times from the paint. He’s got to knock those downs and take them with great confidence. Big step forward for him tonight.
New Orleans (3-18) was short-handed with Zion Williamson (hamstring) and Trey Murphy (elbow) watching from the bench.
The Lakers dominated the first half, leading 46-27 after one quarter and 77-57 at the half. It was the most points the Lakers had scored in any quarter this season and tied for the fifth most in an opening quarter in franchise history. The 77 first-half points matched the Lakers’ most in a half this season.
The Pelicans found their offense in the third quarter, shooting 62.5% from the floor in the period and pulling to 100-89.
“Love the resiliency tonight and the toughness,” Borrego said. “Basically, we tied the second quarter and won the third and won the fourth. Kept battling and never gave in. They are a good team. They (the Lakers) are going to make shots. They have great players over there. I like our response after the first quarter though.”
The Pelicans return home to play the Minnesota Timberwolves both Tuesday and Thursday.
