LOS ANGELES LAKERS 110 – NEW ORLEANS PELICANS 106
LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a hard-fought 110-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, securing a coveted playoff berth in the Western Conference play-in tournament. James showcased his extraordinary talents with a remarkable performance, contributing 23 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds.
Reflecting on the team’s achievement, LeBron expressed his satisfaction: “It feels absolutely fantastic to clinch a playoff spot, especially after enduring a grueling season filled with injuries and setbacks. I couldn’t be prouder of our team’s resilience and determination.”
The game marked the highly anticipated NBA postseason debut of Zion Williamson, who did not disappoint, delivering a stellar performance with an impressive 40 points and 11 rebounds.
SACRAMENTO KINGS 118 – GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 94
In a decisive 118-94 victory, the Sacramento Kings ousted the Golden State Warriors from the play-in tournament, avenging their previous NBA playoffs defeat. This win propels the Kings towards a showdown with the New Orleans Pelicans, setting the stage for a potential clash with the top-seeded Oklahoma City in the first round.
The spotlight, however, uncomfortably shone on Klay Thompson, whose future with the Warriors hangs in the balance. Marking what might have been his final appearance in a Warriors jersey, Thompson ended the game without scoring, missing all ten of his attempts from the field. This performance starkly contrasted his recent scoring average of 23.1 points this month, highlighting an unexpected downturn at a crucial moment.
