The clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans on November 16, 2024, was a spectacle of skill, determination, and strategic basketball. Held at the Smoothie King Center, the game ended with the Lakers securing a narrow 104-99 victory, underscoring the team’s depth and resilience. Meanwhile, the Pelicans showcased promising performances despite falling short, led by standout contributions from Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum.
Game Overview
The Lakers, with their seasoned roster, faced off against a young and dynamic Pelicans team eager to prove their mettle. The game was a tale of two halves, with both teams displaying exceptional offensive and defensive sequences. Here’s a quarter-by-quarter breakdown:
First Quarter: A Balanced Start
The game started at a frenetic pace, with both teams eager to establish dominance. Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans’ offense with his signature mid-range efficiency, scoring 9 points in the opening quarter. For the Lakers, Anthony Davis made his presence felt, contributing key rebounds and scoring under the rim.
First Quarter Stats
- Lakers: 21 points, 45% shooting.
- Pelicans: 23 points, 46% shooting.
Second Quarter: Lakers’ Bench Makes an Impact
As the second quarter unfolded, the Lakers leaned on their bench players, including D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, to keep the game close. Russell hit two three-pointers, while Hachimura brought defensive energy. The Pelicans maintained their lead through CJ McCollum’s sharpshooting, but turnovers started to mount, allowing the Lakers to stay within striking distance.
Halftime Stats
- Pelicans Lead: 52-49.
- Top Performers:
- Lakers: Anthony Davis (16 points, 7 rebounds).
- Pelicans: Brandon Ingram (15 points, 5 assists).
Third Quarter: Lakers Tighten the Defense
The third quarter saw the Lakers ramping up their defensive intensity. LeBron James played the role of floor general, dishing out assists and controlling the pace. The Pelicans struggled to find rhythm, committing several turnovers that allowed the Lakers to turn defense into offense. Jonas Valančiūnas kept the Pelicans in the game with crucial rebounds and putbacks.
Key Third Quarter Stats
- Lakers: 28 points, with LeBron contributing 10 points and 6 assists.
- Pelicans: 25 points, led by McCollum’s 7 points.
Fourth Quarter: Davis Shines in the Clutch
The final quarter was a showcase of Anthony Davis’s dominance. Scoring 12 of his 31 points in the last 12 minutes, Davis controlled the paint on both ends of the floor. The Pelicans fought valiantly, with Ingram and McCollum hitting timely shots, but their efforts were undone by missed opportunities and turnovers in the closing minutes.
LeBron James sealed the game with a critical three-pointer in the final two minutes, giving the Lakers the breathing room they needed to secure the win.
Player Stats
Los Angeles Lakers
- Anthony Davis: 31 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks.
- LeBron James: 24 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds.
- D’Angelo Russell: 18 points, 4 assists, 3 three-pointers.
- Austin Reaves: 8 points, 5 rebounds.
New Orleans Pelicans
- Brandon Ingram: 28 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds.
- CJ McCollum: 21 points, 5 assists, 3 three-pointers.
- Jonas Valančiūnas: 15 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks.
- Herbert Jones: 9 points, 4 steals.
Team Statistics
- Field Goal Percentage:
- Lakers: 43.8% (39/89).
- Pelicans: 42.2% (35/83).
- Three-Point Shooting:
- Lakers: 30.0% (12/40).
- Pelicans: 37.9% (11/29).
- Free Throws:
- Lakers: 77.8% (14/18).
- Pelicans: 78.3% (18/23).
- Rebounds:
- Lakers: 43 (17 offensive).
- Pelicans: 50 (18 offensive).
- Turnovers:
- Lakers: 11.
- Pelicans: 17.
Game Analysis
Lakers’ Keys to Victory
- Star Power: Anthony Davis and LeBron James combined for 55 points, leading the Lakers’ charge.
- Defense: Limiting the Pelicans to just 40 points in the paint proved decisive.
- Clutch Execution: The Lakers excelled in the final minutes, hitting critical shots and free throws.
Pelicans’ Challenges
- Turnovers: With 17 turnovers, the Pelicans struggled to maintain consistency, gifting the Lakers 19 points off turnovers.
- Bench Contribution: The Pelicans’ bench accounted for only 18 points, highlighting a lack of depth.
- Rebounding: Despite winning the rebound battle, the Pelicans couldn’t capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
Looking Ahead
For the Lakers
The Lakers, now 9-4, continue to build momentum. With Davis and LeBron in top form, they look poised for a strong playoff push. Upcoming games against Western Conference rivals will test their consistency and bench strength.
For the Pelicans
The Pelicans, now 4-10, need to regroup and address their turnover issues. Despite their struggles, the team’s core of Ingram and McCollum shows promise. Building better chemistry and bench productivity will be key to their success moving forward.
Conclusion
The Lakers vs. Pelicans game was a classic example of NBA basketball at its best—intense, competitive, and unpredictable. The Lakers’ victory showcased the power of experience and star talent, while the Pelicans’ spirited fight highlighted their potential for growth. Fans from both sides were treated to a thrilling matchup that will be remembered as a highlight of the 2024 season.