Luka Doncic scored 20 of his 34 points in the first quarter as the Los Angeles Lakers raced to their seventh straight victory, 133-121 over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night. Doncic also contributed 12 rebounds and seven assists, helping the Lakers secure their 13th win in 15 games.
Austin Reaves added 33 points and eight assists, Deandre Ayton recorded 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Rui Hachimura chipped in 14 points. LeBron James sat out to rest a sore left foot. He made his season debut on November 18 and has played in four games after recovering from sciatica.
For the Pelicans, Saddiq Bey scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Bryce McGowens added 23 points. The team has now lost 11 of their last 12 games. New Orleans was also short-handed, with Zion Williamson (hamstring) and Trey Murphy III (elbow) watching from the bench.
The Lakers dominated the first half, leading 46-27 after one quarter and 77-57 at halftime. The 46-point first quarter marked the most the Lakers have scored in any quarter this season and tied for the fifth-most in an opening quarter in franchise history. The 77 first-half points also matched the Lakers’ season-high for a half.
The Pelicans found some offensive rhythm in the third quarter, shooting 62.5% from the floor and narrowing the deficit to 100-89, but it wasn’t enough to halt the Lakers’ momentum.-AP
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