Lakers to Face Nuggets in Playoffs After 110-106 Win Over Pelicans
Playoff Matchups Set as Regular Season Ends
No. 7 Lakers to Take on No. 2 Nuggets in First Round
The Los Angeles Lakers secured their spot in the Western Conference playoffs with a hard-fought 110-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. The win propelled the Lakers to the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoff bracket, where they will face the No. 2-seeded Denver Nuggets in the first round.
The Pelicans, who finished the season with a disappointing 31-41 record, will face the No. 6 Sacramento Kings in a play-in game for the final spot in the West.
"We knew this game was going to be tough," Lakers star LeBron James said after the game. "The Pelicans are a young team with a lot of talent, and they played us hard. But we were able to make the plays down the stretch and get the win."
James led the Lakers with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Anthony Davis added 25 points and 12 rebounds. Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 27 points, followed by Zion Williamson's 23 points and 13 rebounds.
The Lakers and Nuggets have a storied history in the playoffs, dating back to the 1980s. The two teams have met in the playoffs 10 times, with the Lakers holding a 6-4 advantage.
The Nuggets have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since the All-Star break, winning 17 of their last 20 games. They are led by reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, who is averaging 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game.
The Lakers will have their hands full against the Nuggets, but they are confident that they can compete. "We know it's going to be a tough matchup," James said. "But we're confident in our team and our ability to win."
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