Here is a by-the-numbers look at the Lakers’ 104-87 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
1
Shots missed by Ed Davis. The power forward went 5-for-6 from the field in his second start as a Laker to finish with 12 points and seven rebounds. All six of Davis’ shots came within two feet of the hoop, where he was constantly greeted by defenders. However, that mattered little, as Davis finished 4-for-5 on contested attempts.
14
Points for Kobe Bryant. The 16-time all-star led his team in scoring on a night when nobody — Bryant included — could find a consistent rhythm. Bryant went just 6-for-18 from the field, including 0-for-5 from 3-point range and 2-for-10 with a defender within 3.5 feet. However, Bryant had little assistance, as his teammates combined to shoot just 30-for-72.
“The more (shots) we missed, the more we got deterred from what we were thinking about doing,” head coach Byron Scott said. “We start thinking about missing shots, and all of a sudden we stop playing the defense that we started off playing. … I really thought in the second half — in the third quarter — our will just kind of was gone because we weren’t making enough shots.”
23
Points for Anthony Davis, who entered the game as the NBA’s second-leading scorer (25.3) behind Bryant (25.8). However, thanks to a combination of Bryant’s uncharacteristic performance and Davis’ 11-for-15 clip, both players are now part of a three-way tie with James Harden for the league’s scoring crown (25.2).
25.0
Percentage shot by the Lakers in the first quarter. L.A.’s frigid opening period put it in a six-point hole heading into the second frame. The Lakers went just 7-for-28 from the field in the first, totaling 16 points. The starting lineup shot 6-for-19, but the bench was even worse, as it hit just one of its nine first-quarter shots.
“We came out with the right mindset. But during the game, players see shots not falling. That plays a major role in your confidence out there, too,” said Nick Young, who finished 3-for-13. “We tried to pick it up on the defensive end. It wasn’t all one-sided. I think we had (fewer) turnovers than them. We just couldn’t capitalize tonight.”
50
Rebounds for the Pelicans. New Orleans grabbed 16 more boards than the Lakers and enjoyed a 41-27 advantage on the defensive glass. While no Laker reached eight rebounds, Omer Asik pulled down 11, including five offensive boards. Ryan Anderson collected 10 total rebounds and scored 11 points for his second double-double of the season.