Lakers fueled by monster first-half as they sweep past Pelicans

Los Angeles Lakers continued their playoff push with a pivotal 123-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night.

The Lakers needed this game to secure a tie-breaker against the Pelicans and they began in superb fashion. They scored the game’s first 14 points, starting with eight straight points by Anthony Davis and Los Angeles’ lead never went below 10 from that point.

Anthony Davis’ dominance inside and Malik Beasley’s scorching hand from beyond the arc start put the Pelicans out of their rhythm completely before halftime in a game that could prove pivotal in the Western Conference playoff picture.

Davis “put it on himself to spearhead what you saw today,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. 

“But everyone was locked in. Everyone was ready to make a contribution.”

The Lakers (34-35) move one game ahead of New Orleans (33-36) in the standings as both clubs continue to push for a chance to make the playoffs.