The New Orleans Pelicans vs. Lakers game on November 16, 2024, was spectacular, providing basketball fans with an electrifying matchup. The Los Angeles Lakers, led by their star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, faced off against the up-and-coming New Orleans Pelicans, whose roster includes explosive talents like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. While both teams entered the game with high expectations, the Lakers emerged victorious, winning 104-99 in a closely contested battle at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive analysis of the player stats and breakdowns from the game, focusing on how key performances from both teams shaped the outcome. From standout individual performances to pivotal team statistics, we’ll dive deep into the factors determining the game’s result.
Overview of the Game: Lakers’ Resilience and Pelicans’ Close Call
The Los Angeles Lakers overcame a tough challenge from the Pelicans, securing a 104-99 victory. Anthony Davis, who played against his former team, dominated the court with an impressive 31 points and 14 rebounds. His performance was the driving force behind the Lakers’ success, especially in critical moments. LeBron James, though not as dominant statistically as Davis, contributed solidly with 21 points, helping to orchestrate the Lakers’ offense.
Brandon Ingram led the charge with 24 points for the Pelicans, playing a significant role in keeping New Orleans competitive throughout the game. Zion Williamson, known for his explosive athleticism and inside presence, contributed 18 points but could not carry the team to victory. Despite New Orleans having a slight edge in rebounds and offensive boards, the Lakers’ timely shooting and strong defense ultimately sealed the win.
Key Player Stats: The Game’s Standouts
Los Angeles Lakers
- Anthony Davis – 31 Points, 14 Rebounds
- Davis was the star of the Lakers’ game, showing why he is regarded as one of the most dominant players in the league. His 31 points came with remarkable efficiency, shooting 11-of-22 from the field and adding 14 rebounds to control the paint. His presence was felt both offensively and defensively, as he also recorded 3 blocks, stifling the Pelicans’ attempts at scoring in the post. Davis’ performance proved vital in keeping the Lakers ahead, particularly in the game’s latter stages.
- LeBron James – 21 Points, 9 Assists, 5 Rebounds
- Although not as dominant as Davis, LeBron James’ leadership was instrumental in guiding the Lakers to victory. LeBron contributed 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. His 9 assists helped facilitate the offense, showcasing his playmaking ability. LeBron’s experience was key in the clutch moments, particularly with his decision-making and ability to drive the ball in critical sequences.
- D’Angelo Russell – 13 Points, 7 Assists, 2 Steals
- Russell provided significant support, especially as a floor general. His ability to stretch the defense with his shooting (2-of-5 from three) allowed the Lakers to space the floor and create opportunities for their big men. Russell also contributed defensively with 2 steals, helping disrupt New Orleans’ offensive flow.
- Rui Hachimura – 12 Points, 4 Rebounds
- Hachimura’s role as a scorer off the bench was crucial. He provided the Lakers with a scoring spark when their primary players needed rest, and his contributions were key to maintaining the Lakers’ offensive rhythm throughout the game.
New Orleans Pelicans
- Brandon Ingram – 24 Points, 5 Rebounds, 3 Assists
- Ingram played like the offensive leader the Pelicans needed, scoring a team-high 24 points on 9-of-19 shooting. He showed off his versatility, knocking down mid-range shots and getting to the free-throw line (5-of-6). Despite the loss, Ingram’s performance proved he is ready to take the mantle as the primary scorer for the Pelicans.
- Zion Williamson – 18 Points, 9 Rebounds
- Zion Williamson’s ability to dominate inside was evident as he tallied 18 points and 9 rebounds. His physicality around the rim gave the Lakers fits, as he shot 7-of-13 from the field. However, Zion sometimes struggled to finish over the taller defenders like Davis, and his free-throw shooting (4-of-6) was not at the level needed in such a close game.
- CJ McCollum – 15 Points, 4 Assists
- McCollum’s performance was solid but not enough to tip the scales in the Pelicans’ favor. He finished with 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three-point range. McCollum contributed in the playmaking department, though his defensive struggles were a factor, particularly when trying to contain the Lakers’ perimeter shooters.
- Trey Murphy III – 12 Points
- Murphy III provided a much-needed offensive spark off the bench, contributing 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting. His ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc (2-of-4 from three) gave the Pelicans spacing on offense, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Lakers’ superior defense.
Team Statistics Comparison: Key Insights from the Game
Field Goals
- Lakers: 39-of-89 (43.8%)
- Pelicans: 35-of-83 (42.2%)
The Lakers edged out the Pelicans in field goal shooting, but the difference was marginal. Both teams shot relatively well, with the Lakers benefiting from Davis’ efficient shooting in the paint.
Three-Point Shooting
- Lakers: 12-of-40 (30.0%)
- Pelicans: 11-of-29 (37.9%)
While the Pelicans outshot the Lakers from deep in percentage, they took fewer attempts. The Lakers’ higher volume of three-pointers, despite the lower percentage, was a testament to their aggressive perimeter offense.
Free Throws
- Lakers: 14-of-18 (77.8%)
- Pelicans: 18-of-23 (78.3%)
Both teams shot free throws at nearly identical rates, with the Pelicans having a slight edge in attempts. However, the Lakers made up for this by maintaining discipline and not committing too many fouls in critical moments.
Rebounds
- Lakers: 43
- Pelicans: 50
The Pelicans dominated the rebounding battle, grabbing 50 rebounds compared to the Lakers’ 43. However, the Lakers were more effective with their rebounds, using their size and athleticism to limit second-chance opportunities. Davis’ 14 rebounds were crucial in denying the Pelicans crucial offensive boards.
Turnovers
- Lakers: 11
- Pelicans: 17
Turnovers played a major role in the Lakers’ win. With only 11 turnovers, they maintained possession and capitalized on the Pelicans’ 17 turnovers, scoring 19 points off those mistakes. This difference was pivotal in the tight game.
Points in the Paint
- Lakers: 52
- Pelicans: 40
The Lakers’ dominance in the paint was a major factor. Davis and LeBron powered the Lakers to a significant advantage in points in the paint, using their inside presence to outmuscle the Pelicans, especially in the second half.
Key Takeaways from the Game
- Anthony Davis’ Dominance – The former Pelican showed exactly why he’s one of the top big men in the league, leading the Lakers in scoring and rebounding. His performance was crucial in turning the game’s tide, particularly on the defensive end.
- Brandon Ingram’s Continued Growth – Ingram showed he is a legitimate offensive force, able to lead the Pelicans in scoring. However, he will need more help from his teammates if New Orleans is to be a consistent playoff contender.
- The Lakers’ Depth and Defense – While Davis and LeBron led the charge, the Lakers’ defensive efforts and team depth were also significant. Role players like Hachimura and Russell played important roles in providing scoring off the bench and keeping the offense flowing.
- Pelicans’ Need for Consistency—The Pelicans have the talent to compete but must address their turnover issues and defensive inefficiencies. The team’s shooting was solid, but a lack of consistency in the paint and rebounding ultimately hurt them.
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Conclusion: A Game of Margin and Moments
The November 16, 2024, matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers showcased the brilliance of basketball’s star players, with Davis’ stellar performance leading the Lakers to victory. While both teams showed flashes of brilliance, the Lakers’ ability to execute in critical moments, capitalize on turnovers, and dominate the paint ultimately sealed the win. As the Pelicans continue to build around their young stars, they will need to fine-tune their game and reduce turnovers to become a more consistent threat in the competitive Western Conference.
