Malik Beasley Explodes in First Half As Lakers Cruise to Easy Win Over Pelicans

• The Los Angeles Lakers crushed the New Orleans Pelicans in their Western Conference clash
• Anthony Davis and Malik Beasley led the attack against the Pelicans in their game on Tuesday
• The Lakers started strongly against New Orleans, using a barrage of threes in the first half

The Los Angeles Lakers bolstered their playoff hopes with an impressive 123-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.

Five players scored in double figures for the Lakers, who moved into a tie for eighth place in the Western Conference standings.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, and the Lakers all have similar 34-35 records.

Anthony Davis registered another double-double for the Lakers, scoring 35 points and grabbing 17 rebounds in 33 minutes of action. He shot 11 of 18 from the field and made 12 of his 13 free throws.

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Beasley erupts in first half

It was Malik Beasley who stole the show for the Lakers. He was red-hot from beyond the arc, hitting seven 3-pointers in the first half, per ESPN. That helped Los Angeles build a resounding 36-point lead in the second quarter.

The Lakers settled for a 35-point advantage at the half-time break. Both teams entered this contest tied in the standings, and a victory here was important for both teams to improve their play-in chances.

Lakers scorching from outside

It was the Lakers who showed some sense of urgency in this contest. They shot 18 of 39 from the 3-point area, including 15 of 27 in the first half, which set a franchise record for 3-pointers made in a half.

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Beasley finished with 24 points. D’Angelo Russell stuffed the stat sheet, recording 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks.

With the win, the Lakers won the season series against the Pelicans 3-1. That could prove pivotal if they finish with the same record at the end of the season, as the Lakers now hold the tiebreaker.

Lakers’ winning run ends

Sports Brief recently reported on the Lakers losing to the Knicks by 112 to 108.

Sunday’s loss to New York snapped Los Angeles’ three-game winning streak.

Anthony Davis only managed to score 17 points in the heartbreaking defeat.