The New Orleans Pelicans made a stunning playoff push by defeating the Sacramento Kings 105-98 in the NBA Western Conference play-in tournament game held at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Friday. This victory marks the Pelicans as the final team to qualify for the West playoffs, where they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round starting Sunday.
Despite the absence of their star forward Zion Williamson, who was sidelined with a left hamstring strain, the Pelicans showcased their depth and resilience. Brandon Ingram stepped up as a key player, delivering an impressive performance with 24 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Ingram shot 10-for-20 from the field, demonstrating his scoring prowess and playmaking ability.
Ingram's leadership on the court was evident as he consistently involved his teammates in the offense, taking on a significant portion of the team's playmaking responsibilities. His ability to drive the team's performance in Williamson's absence was instrumental in securing the Pelicans' spot in the playoffs.
Reference(s):
NBA highlights on April 19: No Zion, no problem for Pelicans
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