Luka Doncic dropped a double-double to power the Los Angeles Lakers to a 118-104 NBA Cup Group Play victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, extending L.A.’s early-season surge.
With the road win on Friday, the Lakers improved to 9-4 overall and stayed perfect in West Group B at 2-0 after opening with a win over Memphis.Â
Doncic set the tone with 24 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists, guiding the Lakers to another statement victory.
Austin Reaves contributed 31 points on 9-of-16 shooting with seven assists, providing a steady spark throughout the night. Deandre Ayton added a double-double with 20 points and 16 rebounds.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, remained without Zion Williamson, sidelined since Nov. 4 with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, and have now dropped four straight games.Â
Trey Murphy III tried to rally New Orleans, posting 35 points on 13-of-20 shooting, but the Pelicans fell to 0-2 in group play and 2-10 on the season.
Fans roared as Doncic delivered yet another standout performance as he recorded a double-double on the night.
The Lakers held a 65-52 lead at halftime, paced by 20 points from Doncic. Reaves added 11, and Ayton contributed 14. Murphy III led New Orleans with 22 points at the break, keeping the Pelicans within striking distance.
Los Angeles carried an 18-point lead into the fourth quarter. New Orleans mounted a late comeback, closing within nine points, but back-to-back dunks by Rui Hachimura pushed the lead back and sealed the victory.
The Lakers will host the Los Angeles Clippers in their next NBA Cup matchup on Nov. 25, but first will travel to Milwaukee for a Saturday showdown.
