Brandon Ingram led the New Orleans Pelicans to a 105-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings in a play-in tournament elimination game, securing a spot in the NBA playoffs. Despite missing Zion Williamson due to a hamstring injury, the Pelicans showcased a balanced attack with six players scoring 10 or more points. Trey Murphy III stepped up in Williamson’s absence, contributing 16 points to the win. De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 35 points, but it was not enough to overcome the Pelicans.
The game was a crucial test for the Pelicans, who had previously faltered in their attempts to secure a playoff berth. After losing to the Lakers in their regular-season finale and in the play-in game, the Pelicans faced the prospect of missing out on the playoffs. However, they rose to the occasion and improved to 6-0 against the Kings for the season. The victory also maintained the streak of No. 7 seeds never missing the playoffs since the introduction of the play-in tournament in 2020.
Despite a shaky start with early turnovers, the Pelicans managed to build a double-digit lead in the second quarter. Naji Marshall provided a spark off the bench with a 3-pointer and a steal that led to a dunk, further extending the Pelicans’ advantage. The Kings were hampered by injuries to key players, including Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter, which limited their depth. Jonas Valanciunas and Brandon Ingram were instrumental in maintaining the Pelicans’ lead, with Fox’s efforts keeping the Kings within striking distance.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will enter the playoffs as an eighth seed, facing top-seeded Oklahoma City in their opening game. Despite their ups and downs throughout the season, the Pelicans have shown resilience in the face of adversity. With their strong performance against the Kings, they have proven their ability to handle pressure situations and come out on top. As they head into the postseason, the Pelicans will look to continue their success and make a run in the NBA playoffs.
In conclusion, the New Orleans Pelicans’ victory over the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament highlighted their depth and resilience as a team. Despite missing Zion Williamson, they rallied around Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas to secure a spot in the playoffs. Their balanced scoring and defensive efforts were key to overcoming the Kings and advancing to face Oklahoma City in the postseason. The Pelicans’ ability to handle pressure situations and bounce back from adversity will be crucial as they look to make a splash in the NBA playoffs.
