The Los Angeles Lakers opened NBA Cup play with a statement win, riding the scoring and playmaking of their stars to a 118-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night in New Orleans. The win moves Los Angeles to 2-0 in Cup play and sets a confident tone as the season progresses into this new competition window.
H2: Reaves fuels the offense with efficiency and initiative
H3: A dynamic scoring night from the second-year guard
Austin Reaves supplied a game-high spark for the Lakers, pouring in 31 points and providing a critical combination of shot-making and decision-making. The 31 points highlighted Reaves’s growing consistency as a scoring option, especially in the early stages when the Lakers needed a reliable source of offense to counter a Pelicans squad determined to pace the tempo and contest on multiple fronts.
Reaves wasn’t just a scorer; he blended his scoring with efficient shot selection and timely distribution. His night illustrated a broader trend for the Lakers, who have leaned into guard-forward versatility to balance the workload between their newer additions and established stars. By mixing mid-range confidence with timely drives to the basket, Reaves helped the Lakers sustain momentum through stretches when the Pelicans attempted to mount a counterpunch.
H2: Doncic delivers a vintage all-around performance
H3: A 24-point, 12-assist double-double that sets a tone
Luka Dončić anchored the Lakers’ offense with a stat-stuffing performance: 24 points and 12 assists. His playmaking was as important as his scoring, and the 12 assists showcased his ability to read the court, find open teammates, and convert opportunities into easy buckets for teammates, including Ayton and Reaves. Dončić’s understanding of pace and angles allowed the Lakers to push the ball in transition and execute in half-court sets without sacrificing efficiency.
Across the game, Dončić’s passing triggered multiple Lakers runs, giving his team an edge whenever the Pelicans attempted a rally. His leadership on the floor helped stabilize the lineup, especially during sequences where the Pelicans tried to pressure ball handlers or switch aggressively to disrupt rhythm.
H2: Ayton adds a sturdy frontcourt presence
H3: Inside-out impact in the paint and on the glass
Deandre Ayton contributed a strong frontcourt presence that complemented the backcourt fireworks. While the box score number may not fully capture his influence, Ayton’s rebounding and interior defense helped the Lakers control the paint and limit second-chance opportunities for New Orleans. His ability to set screens, roll to the basket, and finish at the rim provided another dimension to the Lakers’ offensive efficiency, creating easier looks for teammates and helping to maintain momentum during pivotal stretches.
The trio of Reaves, Dončić, and Ayton created a balanced attack that made it difficult for the Pelicans to single out any one Lakers threat. When Reaves attacked off the pick-and-roll, Dončić’s decision-making opened up multiple passing lanes, while Ayton’s interior presence forced New Orleans to respect the paint, giving the Lakers space on the perimeter.
H2: The flow of the game and what it means moving forward
H3: A promising start for Lakers Cup play
From the tip, the Lakers demonstrated cohesion, translating individual excellence into a collective project. The 118-104 final score is more than a margin; it signals the Lakers’ readiness to compete at a high level within the NBA Cup’s framework. The team showed growth in ball movement, defensive discipline, and late-game execution, turning possessions into efficient scoring opportunities and keeping the Pelicans from mounting a late surge.
For coach selections and rotation decisions, this game offers a blueprint: leverage Reaves’s scoring juice, let Dončić orchestrate, and lean on Ayton’s interior presence to balance the attack. If this trio can stay healthy and continue to mesh, the Lakers will be well-positioned in Cup play and beyond as the season unfolds.
In a night where the Lakers looked the part of a seasoned title-contending squad, the 118-104 victory in New Orleans served as a reminder that individual brilliance, when complemented by smart distribution and interior defense, can translate into meaningful wins early in the season.
