Anthony Davis Propels Pelicans Past Lakers

Standing at the free throw line for an "And 1" with less than two minutes to go, Anthony Davis couldn't hear a sold out New Orleans Arena cheering him on.

"I'm locked into the game," explained Davis to Fox Sports New Orleans courtside reporter Jen Hale. "I'm trying to get the win and close the game out."

Pelican fans chanted "M-V-P...M-V-P...M-V-P" in unison, giving Davis a standing ovation for his sensational play. Friday night, Davis played like a most valuable player.

Leading New Orleans to a 96-85 victory over the Lakers, he scored a career-high 32 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, blocked 6 shots, and added 3 assists and 1 steal for good measure. Davis took over late, altering shots, throwing down dunks, creating steals, and pushing the Pelicans to a late 12-0 run in the final 3:16 of the game with unmatched energy.

"My teammates tell me that they feed off my energy," David told Hale. "When I'm out running the floor, blocking shots, rebounding, and scoring the ball, they feed off my energy."

Davis' energy was there from the opening tip. He had a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds with 5 minutes left in the first half.

"He's plays hard," said New Orleans head coach Monty Williams of Davis. "He works his tail off and I'm going to be on him for more. I think he's got great ability and he works hard. There's more there and we're going to enjoy seeing (more) nights like this from him."

Other Pelicans shined as well. Point guard Jrue Holiday added a double-double of 13 points, 13 assists, and 4 steals. Eric Gordon scored 16, and Jason Smith had 14. Tyreke Evans came off the bench to post an impressive +19 in the +/- category.

New Orleans improves to 3-3 with the victory, and snap an 11-game regular season losing streak to the Lakers.

The Pelicans now embark on a three game road swing, starting Sunday for a 7:00 matchup with the Phoenix Suns. After Phoenix, it's off to Los Angeles Tuesday for another matchup with the Lakers, before wrapping up the trip a day later against the Utah Jazz.