NEW ORLEANS (AP) — LeBron James had 23 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers clinched a playoff berth by beating the New Orleans Pelicans 110-106 on Tuesday in the mini-tournament of repechage.
Zion Williamson added 40 points and 11 rebounds, in what was his debut in the NBA postseason. But shortly after tying the score at 95 on a layup with 3:19 left, Williamson left for the locker room.
Furious, he threw a towel on the ground as he walked through the tunnel, apparently injured.
Shortly after, James hit a shot and Anthony Davis dunked off a pass from Austin Reaves.
DeAngelo Russell hit a three-pointer and Davis grabbed an offensive rebound, after which he made two free throws as the Lakers secured the win.
Davis had 20 points and 15 rebounds. Russell scored 21, including five long-range shots.
The Lakers advanced to face Denver, the defending NBA champion, in the first round of the playoffs. It will be a repeat of the Western Conference final from the previous season, swept by the Nuggets.
The first meeting is scheduled for Saturday night.
The Pelicans will face the winner of the other mini-tournament game in the West, between Golden State and Sacramento.
2024-04-17 02:58:00
#LeBron #Lakers #secure #passage #victory #Pelicans
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