LOS ANGELES – Tight defense and accurate perimeter shooting have been hallmarks of New Orleans’ improved play since mid-December, but the Pelicans couldn’t accomplish either in the first three quarters Friday. Despite a fourth-quarter push that pulled New Orleans to within as close as seven points of the lead, the visitors couldn’t overcome what happened in the first 36 minutes, ending their four-game winning streak.
The Lakers led 105-83 through three quarters, enough of a cushion to prevail by double figures, despite a 30-18 edge by the Pelicans in the final stanza.
IT WAS OVER WHEN…
Danny Green swished a left-corner three-pointer with just over two minutes left, giving the Lakers a 10-point lead, after the Pelicans had outplayed them for much of the fourth quarter. Green sank six three-pointers in a 25-point outing, while Anthony Davis poured in 46 points.
PELICANS PLAYER OF THE GAME
Lonzo Ball produced a second straight quality performance, five days after he registered a triple-double against Houston. This time while facing his former NBA team, the third-year pro again shot well from the field at 10/16, part of his 23-point night. Ball’s teammates have discussed lately that the point guard seems to be healthy and looking more like his old self, which he displayed Friday on one first-half transition slam. He also scored on a post-up and went to his floater a few times, with a lot of success.
#FANFRIDAY
For Friday games during the regular season, a fan poll question will be asked on Twitter, frequently related to the NBA overall. After tributes to David Stern have poured in since the former NBA Commissioner died at age 77, fans voted Friday on what they were most appreciative of in terms of his impact on New Orleans and its NBA franchise. Among three options, the landslide winner was Stern’s support for small markets (roughly 60 percent of votes), which has greatly benefited the Crescent City, as well as long-term NBA success stories in places such as San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Utah and Portland in the Western Conference. Stern also showed unwavering support for New Orleans in awarding the city the All-Star Game three times over a nine-year span, as well as ensuring the Pelicans would be owned locally, approving the sale of the franchise to Tom Benson in 2012.
