The Los Angeles Lakers (15-4) dominated the opening quarter and cruised to an easy 133-121 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans (3-18) on December 1.
Here are the key stats and the top performers of the game.
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Luka Doncic LAL PG 34 PTS | 12 REB | 7 AST | 62.9 FPS
Doncic got off to a fast start, pouring in 20 points in the first quarter alone and finishing with his sixth straight and 11th 30-point game of the season. He also added his sixth 10-rebound performance and his 15th game with at least five assists, while recording a double-double for the fifth consecutive game.
BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE:
Bryce McGowens NOP SG 23 PTS | 7 REB | 5 AST | 38.9 FPS
McGowens got the start with Murphy out with an elbow injury and made the most of it, delivering solid value in multiple areas. In limited minutes this season, he’s shown an ability to generate offense, scoring around the double-digit mark 3 times.
SCORING MACHINES:
Austin Reaves LAL SG 33 PTS | 5 REB | 8 AST | 52.0 FPS
Reaves has been on fire offensively in recent games. He has shot 60% or better in four of his last five outings, gone 10-for-15 from three and posted an even more impressive 19-for-21 from the line over his last two. He also recorded three consecutive 30-point performances.
Jeremiah Fears NOP PG 21 PTS | 2 REB | 3 AST | 29.9 FPS
Fears’ impact in other areas has declined, but he continues to be a threat on offense, scoring 15 or more points three times in his last four games.
STAT SPECIALIST:
Derik Queen NOP C 15 PTS | 7 REB | 3 AST | 29.9 FPS
Queen’s production has been on a downtrend over his last three games, but he delivered solid value at the line today and finished with his 12th double-digit scoring game of the season.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT:
DeAndre Ayton LAL C 22 PTS | 12 REB | 4 BLK | 49.9 FPS
DominAyton shot 7-9 from the field and an incredible 8-for-8 from the line to finish with his seventh 20-point game this season and also added his eighth double-digit rebounds and his season-best in blocks.
THE SHARPSHOOTER:
Micah Peavy NOP SG 13 PTS | 5-10 FG | 3-5 3PT | 20.9 FPS
Peavy finished with his fourth double-digit scoring game of the season.
THE X-FACTOR:
Jaxson Hayes LAL C 8 PTS | 6 REB | 2 BLK | 24.2 FPS
Hayes provided solid value on both ends, going 4-for-4 from the field, posting his sixth 5-rebound outing, and recording a season-high in blocks.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Saddiq Bey NOP SF 22 PTS | 11 REB | 3 AST | 41.7 FPS
Bey had his best scoring performance of the season, shooting nearly 70% from the field. He finished with at least 18 points for the fifth consecutive game and also posted double-digit rebounds in four of his last five.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Rui Hachimura LAL PF 14 PTS | 6-14 FG | 2 REB
Hachimura has hit the double-digit mark in seven of his last eight games, but his impact in other areas remains lacking.
