The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 110-106 Tuesday night in the No.7 vs. No. 8. Play-in seed matchup to secure the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and a Playoff berth.
Lakers’ Lebron James (23), D’Angelo Russell (21), and Anthony Davis (20) all scored 20+ points, and Davis recorded a game-high 15 rebounds to help Los Angeles secure their victory. James also recorded nine assists and nine rebounds, one away from a triple-double.
In his first NBA postseason, Pelicans forward Zion Williamson finished with 40 points and 11 rebounds. However, Williamson left the game with 3:19 remaining after tying the game 95 with a driving layup. He then proceeded to the locker room, apparently hurt, and threw a towel to the ground in disdain as he entered the tunnel. It is uncertain if Williamson will be healthy enough to return against the Sacramento Kings on April 19, when the Kings and Pelicans will fight for the No. 8 seed in the West.
Los Angeles will take on the reigning NBA Champions, the Denver Nuggets, in the first round of the playoffs.