Pelicans Plaster Lakers 113-92, Sweep Season Series

New Orleans (40-34) had six players score in double digits on their way to a 113-92 rout of Los Angeles. For the first time in franchise history, the Pelicans swept the season series against the Lakers (20-54).

It is nice to see everyone on the floor making an impact on the scoreboard. And speaking of being on the floor: Ryan Anderson is back! After missing 18 straight games with a knee injury, the Pelicans forward returned to action Wednesday night against the Lakers.

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He missed his first attempt, but drove hard to the rim and finished with a dunk to get himself on the board early in the second quarter.

Apr 1, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. The Pelicans defeated the Pelicans 113-92. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

He hit 2 three point attempts in the final minute of the first half to help extend the Pels lead to 10. It is great to finally see “The Flamethrower” back on the court.

Ryno’s return was helped by the Los Angeles Lakers team, which ranks near the bottom of the league in both defense and wins.

If they want any chance to win games they would have to be as red hot as they were in the first quarter tonight, where they scored 31 points.

The lax defense of the Pels tightened up for the rest of the game though, and the lead was pushed to double digits for the rest of the night.

Anthony Davis led the team with 20 points on a solid 9-15 from the floor. More interesting was the 6 assists dished out by the Brow tonight, marking the sixth time he has done so in the past 9 games.

With Anderson and Holiday looking to ease back into the lineup, the increased passing ability of Davis will surely make that transition easier.

Norris Cole was hot all night, shooting 8-12 from the floor and finishing with 17 points to his name.

He is sinking the corner three, and has made great strides in cutting to the basket off the ball. The analytics say that these shots are the most efficient in basketball, so having guys that excel in those areas cannot hurt.

Cole was not the only guard with a notable performance off the bench. Toney Douglas, who was recently signed for the remainder of the season, put on a show on the defensive end.