The Los Angeles Lakers clinched a spot in the first round of the NBA Playoffs after a hard-fought victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. The Lakers, now the No. 7 seed in the West, will face off against the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, in the first round.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Lakers holding an 18-point lead at one point, only to see the Pelicans claw their way back into the game behind a season-high 40 points from Zion Williamson. However, Williamson suffered an injury during the game, leaving the Pelicans without their star player for the final minutes of the game.
Despite Williamson’s absence, the Lakers and Pelicans traded blows on the scoreboard, with D’Angelo Russell stepping up for the Lakers with a clutch three-pointer to secure a four-point lead with just over 50 seconds left on the clock. The Lakers ultimately closed out the game with a series of free throws, sealing the win and advancing to the first round of the playoffs.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 23 points, narrowly missing out on a triple-double, while Russell had a standout performance with 21 points. Anthony Davis also had a double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds.
The Pelicans, despite the loss, still have a chance to secure the eighth and final seed in the West. They will face the winner of the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings game to determine their playoff fate.
Overall, it was a thrilling game that showcased the resilience and determination of both teams as they battled for a spot in the playoffs. The stage is now set for an exciting first-round matchup between the Lakers and the Nuggets.
