It was a game the New Orleans Pelicans were supposed to win, and they did so. Though this was the second game in as many nights and on the road, the Pelicans started strong and were able to build, hold, and grow a lead against the outmatched Los Angeles Lakers. The Pelicans move to 9-10 while the Lakers fall to 5-16.

The story of the game is really just that the Lakers entered and left the game with the worst defense in the NBA. As such, this win . . . other than a tick in the W column . . . is nothing more than a curio piece except in some very limited ways. The team’s improved passing (28 assists and 43 made shots), the team’s improved shooting (43 of 83 from the field), or anything else should just be set aside, chalked up to stats against a bad team.

One way the team actually benefited was that the newly signed players got time on the court with their team. Mekel had 4 assists in his first 4 minutes, then had no more, but he also did not register a turnover. Cunningham had 7 points on 6 shots, 6 rebounds, and 3 fouls.

Also, and this is likely a measure of just how poor Los Angeles was playing, Ajinca played for 10 minutes, had 10 points . . . and just 1 foul. He scored on the just 4 shot attempts, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 turnover. Still, good work for Ajinca. Let’s hope he can keep it up.

To answer the questions posed at the start of the game:

• Kobe had 14 points on 18 shots, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 turnovers
• Evans went just 3 of 9 on field goals, but managed 11 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 turnovers
• Babbitt had a good showing in his 20 minutes, sinking 2 of 4 three-point shots and adding 5 rebounds

My favorite play of the night was a wide open Babbitt 3 with an Evans assist. It was relatively early in the clock, but it shows just why a defense need to keep a step closer to Babbitt, which is one reason to keep him in that starting line up.

Two things to note going forward. First, this week is brutal; do not let the Knicks’ game fool you. Secound, Babbitt hurt his knee. The preliminary is a sprain.

Enjoy the win, just don’t expect 8 of 18 from three every night.

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