The New Orleans Pelicans snapped the Denver Nuggets’ five-game winning streak on Friday night and will now try to end the Los Angeles Lakers’ four-game winning streak as both teams aim to sweep back-to-back games on Saturday night in New Orleans.
Amid a rash of injuries, the Pelicans had lost six straight and nine of their last ten games before recording a 101-94 victory over the visiting Nuggets, who were without three-time MVP Nikola Jokic (personal reasons).
Brandon Ingram led the way for New Orleans with 29 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in 37 minutes. Drafted second overall by the Lakers in 2016, Ingram spent three seasons in Los Angeles before joining the Pelicans. Brandon Boston Jr. added 19 points, and Trey Murphy III contributed 17 points to support Ingram’s scoring efforts.
With Jokic absent, the Pelicans dominated the boards, out-rebounding Denver 56-38, including a 17-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Rookie center Yves Missi led New Orleans with a game-high and season-high 12 rebounds.
Meanwhile, LeBron James notched his career-high fourth consecutive triple-double, tallying 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Anthony Davis recorded a double-double with a season-high 40 points on 14-of-26 shooting and 12 rebounds in the Lakers’ 120-115 victory at San Antonio on Friday.
In addition to James and Davis, four other Lakers scored in double figures. Austin Reaves had 19 points, rookie Dalton Knecht scored 14, D’Angelo Russell added 13, and Max Christie contributed 11.
Davis, who is averaging a career-high 31.1 points and has scored 30 or more points in seven of 11 games this season, highlighted the importance of the Lakers securing their second road win in six games this season.
