The first play-in games left us with two shocking news in the NBA. The Warriors dynasty seems to have come to an end, as the San Francisco team fell to the Kings 118-94 and said goodbye to their chances of playing in the playoffs. On the other hand, the Lakers, after a season of ups and downs, qualified quickly for the playoffs, where they will face the Nuggets, after beating the Pelicans 106-110.
The Warriors, a dynasty that will be remembered for years for its four rings in eight years (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), succumbed in Sacramento, against the Kings who dominated at will. In Steve Kerr’s team, the only signs of life were Stephen Curry, who scored 22 points, and Kuminga, with 16 and a great second quarter, which brought Golden State within four points at halftime.
However, in the second half, the Warriors could not keep up with the Kings, in which Murray shone, with eight triples and 32 points, Sabonis, with a new double-double (16 12), and Fox, who finished the clash with 24 points.
The San Francisco disaster can be explained by Klay Thompson. The Warriors guard finished the game with 0 points, after shooting ten field goals, including six triples. A gloomy performance for a legendary player. The Spanish Garuba also played, although he only played two minutes, during which time he distributed an assist and captured a rebound.
Steve Kerr, after his team’s elimination, commented: “This is life. This is how it works. You can’t stay at the top forever.” The reality is what it is. For the first time, the Warriors are out of the playoffs with Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green together and healthy. The dynasty seems to have come to an end.
On the other hand, the Lakers beat the Pelicans again in New Orleans two days after the victory that left Willie Green’s team without sixth place. Even so, the game was totally different, as the Angelenos suffered to win the match.
Zion Williamson’s magnificent performance, with 40 points and 11 rebounds, gave life to the Pelicans. In fact, when the number 1 in the 2019 Draft retired injured with three minutes remaining, that is when those from New Orleans lowered his performance.
The Lakers did a team job to qualify for the playoffs, where Davis, who was surpassed by Zion in the paint, finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Also important were LeBron, who was close to the triple-double, with 23 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, Russell, with 21 points, and Reaves, with 16.
The victory of the Angelenos qualifies them directly to the playoffs, where they will face off against the current champions, the Nuggets. Last year they already met in the Conference Finals, and the Colorado team surpassed the Lakers, winning all four games in the round. Darvin Ham’s men will seek revenge this year against a team that has their measure taken.
The last playoff spot in the West will be decided in the duel between the Pelicans and Kings, which will be played in New Orleans early Friday and Saturday. Willie Green’s men will be aware of Zion’s status, which involves many of the Pelicans’ options. Whoever wins will face the Thunder in the first round, while the loser will have to pack their bags and watch the playoffs from home.
