After an emotional road win over the Portland Trail Blazers, the Lakers must turn right around to host Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Lakers have been playing better as of late, winning their last two games and scoring 100 points in seven of their last eight games. A win tonight would give the Lakers only their second three-game win streak of the season.
First Quarter
Both teams started off slow from the field, but Gasol got the scoring going with a layup and a pair of free throws. The Pelicans matched with Eric Gordon scoring five of his own as the Pelicans went up 9-4 early. Gasol would score the first 13 points for the Lakers, but the defense struggled to keep the Pelicans out of the paint. The Lakers had no answer early for Gordon and Davis as they got any shot they wanted. Gasol got no help offensively as he scored 15 of the Lakers 23 points and the Lakers were down 12 at the end of the quarter.
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Second Quarter
The Lakers got off to a better start offensively in the second as Farmar hit a couple baskets to begin the quarter. The defense continued to be an issue as the Lakers were unable to keep the Pelicans out of the paint. Henry came in the game and gave the Lakers a spark, helping to cut the lead to single digits. Even though the offense came around this quarter, the defense continued to haunt the Lakers, keeping them from seriously cutting into the deficit. Meeks hit a three to end the quarter, but the Pelicans led 67-51 at halftime.
Third Quarter
Kent Bazemore got a good start to the second half with five quick points, but the defense did not improve, so the Pelicans lead remained the same early in the quarter. Davis continued his excellelnt play, but Farmar and Gasol worked some excellent two-man game and Bazemore kept up his strong quarter as the Lakers cut the lead to 12. Bazemore really got it going and the Lakers were able to get out in transition to finally cut the lead to single digits. An Austin Rivers three-point play put the lead at 10 at the end of the third.
Fourth Quarter
The Lakers cut the lead to four early with an 8-0 run thanks to their defense and ability to get out in transition. The Hornets quickly answered with four points of their own to quiet the crowd. The teams traded baskets fora couple of minutes as the Pelicans maintained a six point lead midway through the fourth. Brian Roberts had an absolutely excellent fourth quarter as the Pelicans pushed their lead back to 12. A quick five point spurt put the Lakers within striking distance but the defense continually failed the Lakers. Farmar and Gasol helped cut the lead to six with three minutes remaining and three-pointers from Farmar and Meeks cut the lead to four. A drawn charge by Bazemore the Lakers one last hope and Gasol drew a foul but missed a free throw. The Pelicans made theirs to put the game away and snap their eight game losing streak.
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