Anthony Davis had 35 points and 17 rebounds, Malik Beasley made seven 3-pointers in the first half and the Lakers took a 36-point lead in the second quarter on their way to a 123-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night.
Beasley finished with 24 points for the Lakers, who shot 18-of-39 from 3-point range, including 15-of-27 before halftime. D’Angelo Russell added 17 points to help the Lakers (34-35) move a game ahead of New Orleans (33-36) in the Western Conference standings as both clubs try to stay in contention for a spot in the Western Conference. the postseason.
The teams entered the day in a four-way tie for tenth place in the conference.
Brandon Ingram returned to the New Orleans lineup after missing two games with a sprained right ankle, but his 22 points weren’t enough.
Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III each scored 20 for the Pelicans, who trailed 75-40 at halftime and cut their deficit to 13 when Ingram’s jumper made it 107-94.
Jones then intercepted Davis’ pass and tried to start a fast break that could have brought New Orleans within 11 points with five minutes to go, but Russell deflected Jones’ pass and Jones was fouled as he grabbed Russell to stop him. to receive the ball.
That trade started a 7-2 Lakers mini-run that pushed the lead to 18.
The Lakers scored the first 14 points of the game, starting with eight straight by Davis on a layup when he was fouled, hit a 3-pointer and stepped back. Beasley and Russell each followed with a three, and Los Angeles’ lead never dipped below 10 after that.
Austin Reaves scored 14 points and Rui Hachimura added 12 for the Lakers.
