The Lakers' fast break failed, and they shifted into a set offense.
James held the ball while Durant moved off the ball.
The James-Durant connection—Durant caught the ball and launched an outside three-pointer.
Swish!
The basketball went straight through the net.
The Lakers struck first in the second half!
Dedmon took Davis's pass and fired a three from the top of the arc, but Durant's Help Defense disrupted it and sent it off target. Simmons secured the long rebound.
The Lakers broke out in transition this time. Durant took Simmons's pass and soared for a dunk, instantly setting Staples Center ablaze.
The camera lens immediately turned to Durant.
When the two teams had been locked in a stalemate during the first half, Durant had been the one to step up and score five straight points, helping the Lakers regain control.
Now, right after the start of the second half, he had once again scored five straight to give the Lakers the advantage.
Durant had been truly clutch tonight!
Tang Tian dribbled past Durant and Lopez in succession at the frontcourt, then finished at the rim to help the Pelicans stabilize the situation.
But on the way back, it was Durant again, drilling a Pull-up Three-Pointer over Green.
He had scored eight straight points!
He was heating up.
And on the next possession, James helped out to steal Brogdon's pass, then went coast to coast for a powerful dunk.
66 to 58!
The Lakers had once again built momentum in the second half, suddenly taking an eight-point lead!
Stevens turned and sent Siakam back onto the court.
It seemed Dedmon could no longer be used.
Davis's hard attack under the basket was disrupted by James's Help Defense, and Durant drew a Holding Foul from Green in transition.
He made both free