The Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Pelicans 110-106 in the Play-In Tournament opener at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday night to claim the seventh seed in the West, where they will face the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs.
New Orleans took an eight-point lead into the second quarter but the Lakers tightened up their defense, keeping the Pelicans to just 16 points, while they scored 34 in the quarter to eviscerate the eight-point deficit and take a ten-point lead into the second half.
Although the Pelicans won both the third and fourth quarters, the Lakers held on for the win to make it two consecutive wins over New Orleans.
Survive and Advance. Playoffs, here we come. pic.twitter.com/QW2M6EoZZZ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 17, 2024
LeBron James led Los Angeles with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists; Anthony Davis finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds; and D’Angelo Russell got 21 points, dished out seven assists and scored five 3s.
Zion Williamson in his NBA postseason debut led New Orleans with his 40-point and 11-rebound double-double, but his night was cut short with an injury that forced him into the locker room.
FINAL: Kings vanquish the Warriors, 118-94.
👑 Keegan Murray: 32 PTS, 9 REB
👑 De’Aaron Fox: 24 PTS, 6 AST
👑 Domantas Sabonis: 16 PTS, 12 REB
👑 Harrison Barnes: 17 PTS, 4 REBKings Win presented by @redhawkcasino pic.twitter.com/R2g0FOafk2
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) April 17, 2024
Elsewhere at Golden 1 Center, the Sacramento Kings, led by Keegan Murray’s 32 points, 9 rebounds, and eight 3s, blitzed the Golden State Warriors 118-94 to remain in the Play-In and keep their hopes of securing a playoff berth alive.
De’Aaron Fox finished with 24 points and 6 assists; Harrison Barnes had 17 points; and Domantas Sabonis poured in 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Kings, who will now face New Orleans on Friday night for a place in the playoffs.
