In his first NBA postseason appearance, Zion Williamson showcased his talent with an impressive 40 points and 11 rebounds.
However, his stellar performance was overshadowed by injury when he exited the game with 3:19 remaining due to left leg soreness, frustratingly tossing a towel as he left the court.
The Los Angeles Lakers, seeded eighth, clinched a 110-106 victory against the seventh-seeded New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center to kickstart the 2024 NBA In-Season Tournament.
This win sets up the Lakers to face the Denver Nuggets, seeded second, in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs.
Next week, the ninth-seeded Sacramento Kings will vie for the eighth seed against the tenth-seeded Golden State Warriors. The victor will challenge the Pelicans on Thursday for the final playoff berth.
With the Pelicans’ loss to the Lakers, Zion Williamson’s season is in jeopardy
Zion Williamson’s ongoing struggles with injuries add uncertainty to the Pelicans’ postseason aspirations. Despite his efforts to maintain his fitness and play a career-high 70 games this season, his availability moving forward remains uncertain after Tuesday’s setback.
In their matchup against the Lakers, the Pelicans were outperformed at the free-throw line and in turnovers, leading to their defeat.
Meanwhile, the Lakers, buoyed by standout performances from LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell, showcased a balanced game that secured their victory despite alternating between defensive prowess and lapses.
As the Pelicans await their opponent from the play-in games, their hopes for a successful postseason hang in the balance, contingent upon Williamson’s recovery and availability. Similarly, the Lakers’ journey to navigate the playoffs hinges on their ability to maintain their level of play against formidable opponents like the Nuggets.
