Three consecutive wins! James with 21+7+7, Doncic 27+10+7, Zion returns with 24 points in a losing effort as Lakers defeat Pelicans.

On March 4th, Beijing time, during the NBA regular season, the Lakers welcomed the Pelicans to their home court. The match was closely fought from start to finish, with the lead changing hands multiple times in the first three periods. In the crucial final quarter, the Lakers went cold offensively, falling behind as the Pelicans extended their advantage. Yet, a late-game explosion by the Lakers allowed them to complete a comeback. At the end of regulation, the Lakers emerged victorious 110-101 over the Pelicans, celebrating a three-game winning streak.

Statistical Summary:

Pelicans: Zion 24 points, Bey 18 points, Murphy 21 points 8 rebounds, Murray 15 points 8 rebounds 9 assists

Lakers: James 21 points 7 rebounds 7 assists, Doncic 27 points 10 rebounds 7 assists, Ayton 13 points 8 rebounds, Reaves 15 points, Smart 10 points 7 assists

Game Progression:

The first quarter began with Doncic hitting a three-pointer, promptly answered by Murphy's three. The two teams engaged in a tight battle from the outset. The Pelicans struck first, unleashing a 10-0 run to establish a 6-point lead. Hayes made both free throws to stop the bleeding, and the Lakers responded with a 7-2 spurt to cut the deficit to one point. The contest then turned into a back-and-forth affair, with the score tied at 27 and again at 31. In the closing moments of the quarter, the Pelicans scored on a fast break while the Lakers' offense came up empty. The first quarter ended with the Pelicans leading 33-31 by two points.

As the second quarter commenced, the Pelicans scored consecutively trying to extend their lead, but James' powerful dunk ignited the Lakers' offense. They went on an 11-0 run to build a 7-point advantage, which was finally halted by Bey's strong finish inside. The Pelicans then chipped away at the Lakers' lead, narrowing the gap to just 3 points by the middle of the period. Doncic assisted Ayton for an easy layup, and Ayton returned the favor as Doncic also scored on a drive, allowing the Lakers to re-establish a 7-point lead. However, the Pelicans finished the quarter with a 7-3 mini-run. At halftime, the Lakers led 54-51, holding a three-point advantage.

In the third quarter, Zion scored on a layup, Smart immediately answered with a three-pointer, and Ayton posterized Murphy with a dunk, helping the Lakers pull ahead again. The Pelicans called a timeout, and upon returning, they quickly found their rhythm, going on a 12-1 run to take a 3-point lead over the Lakers. Doncic stopped the bleeding for the Lakers with a layup, and Reaves scored consecutively, plunging the game back into a deadlock. Both teams traded baskets thereafter in a highly charged atmosphere, with several players receiving technical fouls. The third quarter concluded with the Pelicans reclaiming a 78-76 lead, up by two points.

The final quarter showdown saw Laravia score on a layup, tying the game once more. The Pelicans then launched a fierce offensive, going on a 9-3 run to build an 8-point lead, forcing a Lakers timeout. After the timeout, the Lakers responded with a devastating 14-0 run to take a 6-point lead. Zion's tough finish inside finally stopped the Pelicans' drought. In the clutch moments, Smart and Doncic hit difficult three-pointers in succession, extending the lead to 10 points—these shots virtually sealed the game. Ultimately, the final buzzer sounded with the Lakers defeating the Pelicans 110-101, securing their third consecutive victory.

Starting Lineups:

Pelicans: Zion, Bey, Jones, Murphy, Murray

Lakers: James, Doncic, Reaves, Smart, Ayton