LeBron James Leads Lakers to Victory Over Pelicans, Kings Dominate Warriors in Play-in Games

New Orleans Pelicans – Los Angeles Lakers : 106-110

LeBron James may not like play-in – he once declared that the inventor of the formula should be fired – he is indeed the King of the NBA at this intermediate stage of the competition. Indeed, the Lakers on Tuesday evening became the first team in history to qualify three times for the playoffs through the classification matches played at the end of the regular season. Los Angeles won against New Orleans (106-110) and therefore validates seventh place in the Western Conference.

The Californians held on to the show of strength from Zion Williamson, author of 40 points while leading his team’s comeback in the second period. Unfortunately, it was after bringing his team to a tie (95-95) that the All-Star interior was forced to leave due to injury. Particularly frustrated, he threw a towel before heading to the locker room.

James (23 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists) and his teammates immediately took advantage to regain the advantage. This time until the end. The Angelenos were up to 17 points ahead (57-75) in the third quarter before Williamson continued powerful penetrations to revive the Pelicans. If the 23-year-old rose to the occasion, his teammates were unable to follow his example. CJ McCollum missed 11 of 15 attempts and Brandon Ingram scored just 11 points on 4-of-11 shooting.

Two other LA players reached the 20-point mark in addition to James: 20 for Anthony Davis, who also grabbed 15 rebounds, and 21 for D’Angelo Russell. The Lakers will meet the Nuggets, defending champions, in the first round of the playoffs. A remake of last year’s Western Conference Finals. The Pelicans will play their place in the playoffs against the Kings but they could therefore be deprived of Zion Williamson for this decisive match.

Sacramento Kings – Golden State Warriors : 118-94

Exited by the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs after a Game 7 played in Sacramento last season, this time the Kings did not miss out on this “win or go home.” They even completely dominated their subject to eliminate the crowned champion team in 2022. Carried by a fiery Keegan Murray with three points and quickly author of 4 prize-winning baskets – he scored 8 in total – Mike Brown’s players took the ascendant in the first quarter (31-22). Stephen Curry (22 points) and his partners came within 4 points at halftime (54-50) before fading after returning from the locker room.

Murray was the hero of the match. The sophomore scored 32 points in addition to his 9 rebounds. De’Aaron Fox added 24 points and Domantas Sabonis 16, with 12 rebounds and 7 assists. The Sacramento executives responded, unlike their adversaries. Klay Thompson illustrated the offensive bankruptcy of his team. The former All-Star missed all 10 of his attempts and finished with 0 points. Chris Paul scored 3. Draymond Green didn’t weigh as much as usual on defense.

The Warriors are coming out the back door and they will have some serious questions to ask themselves this summer. The Kings will have to win one more game, against the Pelicans, to join the Thunder in the first round.

2024-04-18 00:11:24
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