AD, LeBron and DLo power Lakers to #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel! @AntDavis23: 20 PTS, 15 REB, 3 BLK @KingJames: 23 PTS, 9 REB, 9 AST @Dloading: 21 PTS, 6 AST, 5 3PM
LeBron James does it all in Los Angeles Lakers win over New Orleans Pelicans: Set to play defending champs in first round
NBAWednesday, 17 April 2024 at 09:17
The Los Angeles Lakers entered Smoothie King Center to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament to determine the 7th seed out West, and they came out on top 110-106 behind a fantastic performance by LeBron James.
The King finished with a team-high 23 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks for the Lakers. Anthony Davis recorded 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks while D’Angelo Russell scored 21 points with 5 made three-pointers. Austin Reaves had 16 points, 5 boards, and 6 assists while Rui Hachimura chipped in 13 points.
Zion Williamson scored a game-high 40 points with 11 rebounds on 63% shooting for the Pelicans. However, the former first overall pick suffered a leg injury with 3 minutes remaining in the game and he did not return. He was playing phenomenal before heading to the locker room and now all eyes will be on his health for the upcoming play-in game.
Trey Murphy III provided 12 points off the bench while Larry Nance Jr. had 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. It was a rough night for the duo of Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum as they finished with a total of 20 points on 8/27 shooting. Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado each contributed 10 points.
Los Angeles will now play the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs. They will look for revenge after getting swept in the Western Conference Finals last postseason. It will be an entertaining matchup between the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis against Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
New Orleans will get another shot to make the postseason on Friday when they play the Sacramento Kings. Their main concern at the moment is the health of Zion Williamson but they are hoping that he is able to suit up in that matchup and help the Pelicans reach the playoffs as the 8th seed.
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