The Los Angeles Lakers outlasted the New Orleans Pelicans 111-103, as Luka Doncic dropped a 30-point, 10-assist performance on Tuesday night.
Lakers’ LeBron James also contributed 30 points, Deandre Ayton with 18 and 11 rebounds, winning for the fourth time in their past five games while sending the Pelicans to their eighth straight loss.
On the other hand, Pelicans’ Trey Murphy scored a career-high 41, Zion Williamson 15, and rookie Derik Queen with 10 points and 13 rebounds, which led by as many as nine points late in the third quarter.
Los Angeles opened the fourth quarter on an 18-4 run that included two deep 3s by James, a three by Dalton Knecht, and a pair of baskets in the paint by Ayton.
The momentum put Los Angeles up 97-90, and the Pelicans could not get closer than four after that.
Neither team led by more than seven until Karlo Matkovi’s free throws gave New Orleans an 83-74 lead late in the third quarter.
James’ three free throws and breakaway dunk trimmed their deficit to four before Murphy hit a driving reverse scoop as he was fouled to make it 86-79 to the final period.
Pelicans’ Herb Jones returned from a seven-game absence due to a right ankle injury and struggled with his shooting, missing eight of nine shots.
The Lakers finished shooting 43 of 85 with 50.6% while the Pelicans shot 40 of 91 with 44% and missed 30 of the 40 three-point attempts.
Both teams play on Wednesday, as the Lakers visit San Antonio, while the Pelicans visit Atlanta.
