To further improve their chances of landing the eighth spot in the Western Conference, the New Orleans Pelicans grabbed a much needed victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, 113-92, at the STAPLES Center.

Couple of players made a return for this game, headlined by New Orleans forward Ryan Anderson, who sat out 18 games due to a knee injury. For the Lakers, Jeremy Lin made a return from an illness after a two-game absence. Carlos Boozer was also activated after missing five consecutive games.

The first quarter was filled with a ton of offense as the Lakers led, 31-29. Jordan Clarkson got off to a quick start, scoring 11 points, corralling five rebounds, and dishing out five assists in the period. It looked like he was well on his way to his first career triple-double, but that did not happen. Tarik Black was also red hot in the first stanza, scoring 10 points on 5 of 5 shooting.

In the second quarter, the Pelicans began to impose their will, outscoring the Lakers 31-18 to obtain an 11-point halftime lead. The Pelicans continued to pour it on in the second half, cruising to victory the rest of the way. The Lakers had been doing a great job of avoiding blowouts during the second half of the season, but tonight, they were annihilated once again by the Pelicans.

The Pelicans have now swept the Lakers in the season series, 4-0, for the first time in franchise history. This game was enormous for New Orleans. With the win, they gained a game over the Oklahoma City Thunder, who lost earlier to the Dallas Mavericks. The Pelicans now stand at 40-34, a game and a half out of the eighth spot.

Anthony Davis filled in the stat sheet tonight, putting in 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists, four blocks, and a steal on 9 of 15 shooting from the field. Ryan Anderson was solid in his return, scoring 17 points and nabbing three boards in 22 minutes on 5 of 11 shooting. He hit two threes and made an unexpected move towards the basket to throw it down with two hands over Jordan Hill. It seems like his knee is doing well.

Norris Cole also played well off the bench, putting in 17 points of his own on an efficient 8 of 12 shooting. In fact, New Orleans bench scored 49 points compared to L.A.’s 31. Tyreke Evans poured in 16 points to go along with eight assists, while Eric Gordon and Quincy Pondexter each scored 10.

Jordan Clarkson finished with 18 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds for the Lakers. Tarik Black notched a new career-high 16 points on 8 of 10 shooting from the floor. Carlos Boozer played just 18 minutes in his return, turning in four points on 2 of 9 from the field. Jeremy Lin had an off shooting night as well in his return, scoring 10 points on 3 for 10 from the floor.

Wayne Ellington, who scored 11 points, hurt his shoulder very late in the game. Right now, they are calling it a mild sprain, and he will be evaluated tomorrow.

Both teams were extremely clean with the ball, turning the ball over just seven times apiece. However, the Pelicans out-rebounded the Lakers, 40-35, and shot an incredible 56.4 percent as a team. The Pelicans have now shot over 50 percent in their last three games.

New Orleans is on a three-game winning streak and will look to extend that mark on Friday, April 3rd, against the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers will host the Portland Trail Blazers next on Friday.