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The Lakers defeated the Pelicans in the Western Conference play-offs and made it straight to the first round of the playoffs
On April 17, 2024, the NBA Western Conference play-offs kicked off, with the Los Angeles Lakers facing the New Orleans Pelicans on the road in the first game. This game is not only about the fate of both teams, but also directly determines who can lock up the seventh place in the West and face the mighty Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. After four quarters of intense matchups, the Lakers won the crucial victory with a narrow 110-106 victory over the Pelicans.
Veteran LeBron James showed unparalleled charisma as a leader in this match. Despite his advanced age, James did his best in the game, especially in the fourth quarter, scoring six points in a row to help the Lakers stabilize their position. Throughout the game, he scored on layups, made free throws, and even performed from beyond the three-point line. Despite his poor shooting percentage, his all-around performance helped the team step up when it was needed most, resulting in a near-triple-double of 23 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
And D'Angelo Russell also contributed to the game. He was extremely efficient in scoring, shooting 7-of-14 from the field, including 5-of-11 from three-point range, especially in the final minute of the game, when the Lakers only led by one point, and his crucial three-pointer directly helped the Lakers pull the score away. Russell's performance is not just in scoring, his on-court command and composure in key moments are also one of the key factors for the Lakers to be able to win the game.
Austin Rivers also played a big part in the game. Not only did he score 16 points himself, but he also dished out six assists and was an important link in the team's transition between offense and defense. Especially when James was out of fitness, Rivers was able to take possession and keep the team's offense fluid.
As for Anthony Davis, he contributed 20 points and 15 rebounds despite his mediocre performance. His interior defense and rebounding ability remain crucial for the Lakers. Facing the Pelicans' interior superstar Xi'an, Davis struggled to limit the opponent's scoring despite being affected by injuries.
On the Pelicans side, Xi'an's injury was undoubtedly the turning point of the game. He performed well in the game, scoring 40 points and 11 rebounds, but unfortunately left the game due to an injury at a critical moment in the game, which directly affected the Pelicans' combat effectiveness.
Looking back at the Lakers' performance, they showed good teamwork and tenacity in this game. James' veteran demeanor, Russell's ability to make key shots, and Davis' perseverance are all key to the Lakers' success in the play-in tournament.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers will face an even bigger challenge as they face off against the Denver Nuggets, the top seeds in the West. The Nuggets are known for their solid defense and efficient offense, and the Lakers will need to maintain a high level of performance in this series and adjust their strategy and fitness accordingly if they are to win this series.
For the Lakers, this game was not just a victory, but a signal that they are capable of beating any opponent, even in difficult situations. As the playoffs progress, each game will become more difficult, but this proven experience and team tenacity may allow them to go far in the games ahead.
The Nuggets are known for their fluid team build-up and efficient scoring ability, especially their star player Jokic, whose versatility on the court makes him difficult to defend. The Lakers will need to make strategic adjustments on the defensive end, especially inside and outside the perimeter, to reduce Jokic's impact and control his coordination with his teammates.
Improving the accuracy of three-point shooting is also something that the Lakers need to pay attention to. In the game against the Pelicans, while Russell and the rest of the players had a good outside performance, there was still room for improvement in the overall three-point shooting percentage. Against the Nuggets, a Laker who can consistently output three-pointers will be more likely to shake up the Nuggets' defensive system.
James' physical management will be another key for the Lakers. As the playoffs progress, the intensity of each game increases dramatically. As the team's leader and scoring core, James' physical condition needs to be managed to ensure he can contribute to the team when it matters most.
The contribution of the bench is indispensable. The Lakers need more firepower and defensive support from the bench, which can not only keep the score while the main players are rested, but also provide additional tactical options in key moments of the game.
Mental preparation is also the key to winning the game. The pressure and intensity of the playoffs is several times greater than that of the regular season, and players need to stay calm, especially when facing pressure from opposing fans on the road. The Lakers' team cohesion and mental toughness will be a big factor in whether they can go far in the playoffs.
The Lakers' performance in the playoffs gave fans hope, but the challenge will be even tougher next. If the Lakers can improve in these few key areas, they will have a chance to compete for victory in the series against the Nuggets and even go further in the playoffs. Success at every step will depend on the team's overall performance and tactical execution, and expect the Lakers to show their best in the next games.