Lakers Crush Pelicans 118-104 as Reaves Drops 31 in Emirates NBA Cup Win

Nov 15, 2025

On November 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM CT, the Los Angeles Lakers turned a fiery first quarter into a commanding 118-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The win wasn’t just another regular season game—it was a statement in the Emirates NBA Cup group stage, where every point counts toward playoff seeding. And nobody made a louder statement than Austin Reaves, who dropped 31 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds like he was playing a pickup game in his driveway.

First Quarter Fireworks Set the Tone

The Lakers didn’t wait to make their presence felt. They opened with a 35-point explosion in the first quarter—nearly a season-high for any opening frame—while holding the Pelicans to just 25. It wasn’t just scoring; it was rhythm. Luka Dončić, now in his first season with Los Angeles after a blockbuster trade, looked like he’d been wearing purple and gold his whole life. He finished with 24 points and 12 assists, orchestrating the offense with that signature calm-before-the-storm poise. "He sees the floor like a chess master," one sideline reporter noted. "He doesn’t rush. He just waits for you to blink."

Reaves Steals the Spotlight

While Dončić controlled the tempo, Reaves was pure ignition. He hit pull-ups from the elbow, drove through traffic, and even nailed two threes in transition. His fourth-quarter surge—11 points in under three minutes—snuffed out any Pelicans hope of a late rally. The crowd at the Smoothie King Center, normally electric for home games, fell silent as Reaves hit a step-back three over Trey Murphy III with 2:17 left. It was the kind of shot that makes you pause your DVR.

Pelicans’ Effort Isn’t Enough

For the New Orleans Pelicans, it was another night of brilliance in defeat. Trey Murphy III carried the load with a team-high 35 points and 6 rebounds, shooting efficiently from deep and attacking the rim with aggression. But when the game was on the line, the Pelicans’ bench—missing key rotation players due to injury—couldn’t match the Lakers’ depth. CJ McCollum, who’s been a steadying presence all season, looked fatigued, finishing with just 12 points on 5-of-15 shooting. The defense? Nonexistent in the paint. The Lakers scored 62 points in the paint, nearly double New Orleans’ total.

Standings Shift as Lakers Rise

With the win, the Los Angeles Lakers improved to 9-4 on the season, sitting atop the Pacific Division with a .692 winning percentage. They’ve now won four straight, and their Emirates NBA Cup group-stage record (3-1) puts them in prime position for a top-four seed in the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, the Pelicans dropped to 2-10—their fourth straight loss—and now trail the division leader by 6.5 games. Their offensive firepower is there, but their defense is a sieve. They’ve allowed 115+ points in eight of their last nine games.

What This Means for the Rest of the Season

This wasn’t just a win—it was a blueprint. The Lakers, once criticized for being too reliant on LeBron James in past seasons, now look like a balanced, multi-headed monster. Reaves is emerging as a true All-Star candidate. Dončić is thriving in a system that lets him playmaker, not just scorer. And with veteran presence like Marcus Smart (who added defensive intensity off the bench) and emerging talent like DeAndre Aiden, their rotation is deepening.

The Pelicans? They’re in crisis mode. Coach Willie Green’s rotation is stretched thin. Injuries to Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have exposed their lack of depth. Even with Murphy III playing out of his mind, they’re not built to compete in a Western Conference that’s stacked with contenders. They need a trade. Or a miracle. Or both.

Game Moments That Defined the Night

YouTube highlights captured moments that won’t soon be forgotten:

• "Reeves scoring again" — Reaves’ third straight bucket in the fourth quarter, a fadeaway from the baseline.
• "Little magic from Luca from the outside" — Dončić’s step-back three with 1:15 left, freezing two defenders with a shoulder fake.
• "Dodge it. Start, stop. He’s got Jones right on his hip and he got in where he easily made that shot" — A classic Reaves move, using body control to finish through contact.

The Lakers shot 55% from the field, an elite number in today’s NBA. The Pelicans? 44%. That’s the difference between a contender and a team trying to survive.