A crowd of 18,997 fans sold out STAPLES Center on Sunday as the Los Angeles Lakers faced the New Orleans Pelicans. The visitors from New Orleans entered this game hoping to win their first game of the season, while the home squad was looking to win their second straight game. The Pelicans played without their All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo in this one, as he is out indefinitely due to a groin injury. Coach Alvin Gentry was also without the services of his backup center, Omer Asik.
Pelicans squeeze by the Lakers
New Orleans looked good in the first 12 minutes of this game, as they outscored the Lakers 34-22 in the opening quarter.
Their lead increased up to 20 points early in the second period (46-26) as they seemed to be in total control of the game. At halftime, the score was 68-55 for the Pelicans. Early in the third quarter, the lead was back to 20 points for the away team (80-60) and heading into the final period of the game they were in front 94-83. Los Angeles opened up the fourth quarter with an 18-4 run as they completely turned the game around. The Lakers held a 103-99 lead midway through the fourth quarter, but couldn't hold on to the end. The Pelicans closed out the game with an 11-2 run and ended up with a 119-112 victory.
Anthony Davis led the Pelicans in this one with 27 points and 17 rebounds. He had great help in DeMarcus Cousins who finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.
Jrue Holiday contributed with 14 points and six assists for New Orleans.
For the Lakers, it was Jordan Clarkson with 24 points who led them in scoring. Clarkson also added five assists in 25 minutes of playing time. Kyle Kuzma scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds for the home team, while Lonzo Ball added eight points and 13 assists.
Nets cruise past the Hawks
The Brooklyn Nets hosted the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday afternoon at their Barclays Center, looking to win their second straight game. The Hawks started off better, outscoring the Nets 25-19 in the first period. The Nets responded with a great second quarter of their own, as they outscored Atlanta 37-28 in the period.
It was 56-53 for the home team at halftime. The Nets went on to score 35 points in the third quarter, and they held a 91-77 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Brooklyn had no trouble in closing out this game, as they came away with a convincing, 116-104 victory.
Allen Crabbe led the way for Brooklyn on Sunday with 20 points and five rebounds. DeMarre Carroll added 17 points and three rebounds, while D'Angelo Russell contributed with 16 points, ten assists and seven rebounds for the Nets.
Marco Belinelli was the leading scorer for the Hawks with 19 points. Dennis Schroder added 17 points and eight assists, while Kent Bazemore finished the game with 16 points and three rebounds for Atlanta.
