The Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans had a great game in the 7 vs. 8 matchup of the NBA Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference. Los Angeles came away with a 110-106 victory, meaning they have earned the No. 7 seed and a first-round matchup with the Denver Nuggets.
While the Lakers came away victorious, it was Pelicans’ star Zion Williamson that drew the most attention in the game. Unfortunately, his night ended prematurely as he had to exit the game with an injury and spent the closing moments in the locker room.
His absence played a major part in Los Angeles coming away victorious, as they had no answers for him throughout the game. In 36:27 of game time, Williamson scored 40 points with 11 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block.
It was a truly dominating performance as Williamson was getting to the rim at will. No matter who the Lakers matched up against him, he would either overpower them at the rim or use his athleticism to blow by them on the perimeter.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: LeBron James, Zion Williamson, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
It was a performance that left fellow NBA star, LeBron James, in awe. James was impressed by how Williamson carried himself in what was his first playoff-type game. The bright lights didn’t seem to impact him negatively, as he put forth an excellent performance.
“He’s gonna be great for a long time. Obviously, had a slow start to the season this year, but he’s a generational player, a generational talent. He’s gonna continue to get better and better and better, and tonight was just a small microcosm of how great he can be,” James said, per Michael Corvo, Lakers beat reporter for ClutchPoints.
All eyes will be on the Pelicans’ injury report as no official update has been given on Williamson’s status. The issue was serious enough that he was unable to finish out what was a tie game when he was forced to exit with 3:13 remaining.
New Orleans will be hosting the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night in the last game of the NBA Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference. The winner will land the No. 8 seed and a first-round matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the loser will start their offseason earlier than they had hoped.
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