Pelicans (7-12), Lakers (9-10)
When the Lakers and Pelicans met Nov. 12 in the Smoothie King Center, Jrue Holiday wasn't yet in uniform for New Orleans, still days away from making his season debut. On Tuesday, Holiday made his first start of 2016-17. The difference in the two games was drastic.
After Los Angeles rolled to a 27-point victory earlier this month, New Orleans pounded the visiting Lakers this time, building a 28-point edge in the third quarter and getting some payback for the dispiriting head-to-head defeat. The Pelicans continued their recent excellence at home, winning for the fifth consecutive time in Smoothie King Center (the previous victories came against Boston, Portland, Charlotte, Minnesota). Since starting 0-8 and going 2-10 without Holiday, New Orleans is now 5-2 with the one-time All-Star back in the fold.
IT WAS OVER WHEN…
Relatively new Pelicans guard Anthony Brown grabbed an errant Lakers pass in the backcourt and dribbled all the way to the other end for a breakaway slam. A former Laker, Brown's dunk gave New Orleans an 89-63 lead to close out the third quarter. Los Angeles had cut its huge deficit to 17 at one stage, but New Orleans quickly rebuilt a commanding edge.
PELICANS PLAYER OF THE GAME
Anthony Davis was his usual dominant self, registering 40-plus points for the fourth time this season and establishing himself as the best player on the floor from right around the opening tip-off. The three-time All-Star racked up 13 points in the first quarter to set the tone for a 32-19 lead on the scoreboard, then dropped in 15 more in the third, part of his 41-point night. Davis previously notched games of 50, 45 and 45 points. Along with his huge offensive performance, the 23-year-old had 16 rebounds, two blocks and four steals.
PELICANS UNSUNG CONTRIBUTOR
Omer Asik doesn't get to touch the ball often offensively for New Orleans, but in the opening minutes Tuesday, the Pelicans dished to him frequently, resulting in a pair of dunks and a layup. The 7-footer from Turkey approached a double-double by intermission and finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds in his 26 minutes of playing time.
