LeBron James and the Lakers managed to withstand a strong late comeback attempt by the Pelicans to secure a 110-106 victory on Tuesday. This win also secured them a spot in the first round of the NBA playoffs where they will face the defending champions, the Nuggets.
In a recent game, James, a four-time NBA champion, led the Lakers to victory over the Pelicans in the play-in game by scoring 23 points, grabbing nine rebounds, dishing out nine assists, and making three steals. This win secured the seventh seed in the Western Conference for the Lakers. Despite being 39 years old, James is heading to the playoffs for the 17th time in his 21-season career. The Lakers will now face the Nuggets, who defeated them in the Western Conference finals last season.
Zion Williamson of the Pelicans scored 40 points and helped his team rally from an 18-point deficit in the third quarter. However, he suffered a potential injury during the game and had to leave early. The Lakers managed to maintain their lead with key plays from D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis, ultimately securing the win. The Pelicans still have a chance to make the playoffs, depending on the outcome of their upcoming against the Kings. Williamson, who has faced injury setbacks in his career, is hoping to make his first playoff appearance since being drafted as the top pick in 2019.
Keegan Murray had a standout performance, scoring 32 points and grabbing nine rebounds, including sinking eight 3-pointers, to lead the Kings to a convincing 118-94 victory over the Warriors. De’Aaron Fox contributed 24 points for Sacramento, who controlled the play-in game between the 9th and 10th place teams. The Kings will face the New Orleans Pelicans next, with the winner earning the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoffs and a matchup against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
Stephen Curry scored 22 points for the Warriors, who finished 10th in the West and will miss the playoffs for the third time in five seasons. Curry had six turnovers, while his teammate Klay Thompson struggled, missing all 10 of his shots and failing to score. Reserves Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga each scored 16 points for the Warriors, with Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins adding 12 points each.
The Kings’ victory was a form of revenge after losing a playoff series lead to the Warriors last season. Harrison Barnes scored 17 points, Domantas Sabonis had 16 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, and Keon Ellis added 15 points for Sacramento. The Kings shot 43.9% from the field, including 46.2% from 3-point range. Sacramento led by 16 early in the second quarter, but the Warriors closed the gap to 54-50 by halftime. A strong third quarter, including a 21-7 run, helped the Kings extend their lead to 77-62. The Warriors made a late push but the Kings held on for a 91-76 lead going into the final quarter.
