Sluggish 3rd Quarter Sinks Lakers in Game 1 Loss
Lakers Survive Pelicans Comeback, Claim 7th Seed and Playoff Berth
December 5, 2023 | 11:42 PM PST
Despite a spirited comeback attempt by the New Orleans Pelicans, the Los Angeles Lakers managed to hold on for a narrow victory in Game 1 of the NBA play-in tournament. The Lakers' sluggish performance in the third quarter nearly cost them the game, but a dominant fourth quarter from LeBron James and a clutch three-pointer from Austin Reaves proved to be the decisive factors.
James, who finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, took over the game in the final period. He scored 14 points in the fourth quarter alone, including several key baskets down the stretch. Reaves, meanwhile, hit a crucial three-pointer with just over two minutes remaining to give the Lakers a 108-102 lead. The Pelicans fought back valiantly, but they ultimately fell short, 114-111.
The Lakers will now advance to the second round of the play-in tournament, where they will face the winner of the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz game on Tuesday night. The winner of that game will earn the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
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