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Lakers Beat Pelicans 118-104, Improve NBA Cup Record/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Los Angeles Lakers continued their strong NBA Cup run, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 118-104. Austin Reaves scored 31, with Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton contributing dominant performances. The Pelicans dropped their fourth straight as Willie Green coached his final game.

Lakers Cruise Past Pelicans Quick Looks

• Lakers improve to 2-0 in NBA Cup West Group B with 118-104 win.
• Austin Reaves leads with 31 points and clutch fourth-quarter shooting.
• Luka Doncic records 24 points, 12 assists, and key baskets in crunch time.
• Deandre Ayton dominates inside: 20 points on 10-of-11 shooting, 16 rebounds.
• Pelicans drop to 0-2 in tournament and 2-10 overall, worst in West.
• Trey Murphy III scores 35 points for New Orleans in strong solo effort.
• Both teams played without stars: LeBron James (sciatica) and Zion Williamson (hamstring).
• Game marks the end of Willie Green’s tenure as Pelicans head coach.

Deep Look

Reaves, Doncic and Ayton Fuel Lakers’ 118-104 Win Over Pelicans to Remain Unbeaten in NBA Cup

NEW ORLEANS — The Los Angeles Lakers proved too much for the slumping New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, securing a 118-104 victory in NBA Cup play behind a balanced attack from Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and Deandre Ayton. With the win, the Lakers improved to 2-0 in West Group B of the in-season tournament, maintaining their top spot and building momentum as the Cup competition intensifies.

Reaves delivered a stellar performance, scoring a game-high 31 points while making 11-of-13 free throws, including five in the closing minutes. Doncic tallied 24 points and dished out 12 assists, orchestrating the Lakers’ offense with precision. Meanwhile, Ayton dominated the paint, finishing with 20 points on 10-of-11 shooting, grabbing 16 rebounds, and adding two steals and a block.

Third-Quarter Surge Seals It

After leading 65-52 at halftime — punctuated by a Doncic-to-Ayton alley-oop — the Lakers erupted in the third quarter. A key 11-0 run by Los Angeles was fueled by all three stars. Reaves hit a driving floater and drew a foul on Jose Alvarado, capping the stretch and pushing the Lakers’ lead to 88-66 midway through the third.

The Pelicans managed a brief comeback early in the fourth, cutting the deficit to just eight points after consecutive 3-pointers from Alvarado and Saddiq Bey. But the Lakers responded with poise. Doncic nailed a 12-foot turnaround, and Reaves hit clutch free throws and a 13-foot pullup jumper to halt New Orleans’ momentum.

Murphy’s Big Night Not Enough

Trey Murphy III continued his scoring tear for New Orleans, posting 35 points — his second 34+ performance in four games. But the Pelicans struggled defensively and lacked consistent scoring support, falling to 0-2 in NBA Cup play and a league-worst 2-10 overall in the Western Conference.

Jeremiah Fears had 19 points and an impressive eight steals, providing sparks on both ends. Herb Jones added 13, Bey scored 11, and Derik Queen pulled down 10 rebounds. Still, the Pelicans never truly recovered after falling behind early.

Major Absences Shape the Night

Both teams were missing marquee names. LeBron James remains sidelined as he recovers from a preseason bout with sciatica. Zion Williamson also sat out for New Orleans, nursing a left hamstring strain. The absence of both All-Stars left others to step up — and the Lakers’ supporting cast rose to the challenge.

Marcus Smart chipped in 13 points and Rui Hachimura added 14 for Los Angeles, who showcased improved depth and cohesion as the season unfolds.

Coaching Change in New Orleans

This game also marked the end of Willie Green’s run as Pelicans head coach. After four consecutive losses and a disappointing start to the season, the franchise confirmed postgame that Green would not return.

Green’s tenure was marked by flashes of promise but ultimately marred by inconsistency and injury setbacks, including long absences for Zion Williamson over multiple seasons.

What’s Next

The Lakers head to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Saturday in a tough road test, while the Pelicans will try to regroup at home against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.

With the NBA Cup group stage heating up, Los Angeles is emerging as an early tournament contender. If Reaves, Doncic, and Ayton continue playing at this level, they may find themselves in serious contention when the knockout rounds begin.

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