Title: Lakers Edge Past Pelicans in Nail-biter, Clinch 7th Seed; Face Nuggets in Playoffs
In a hard-fought NBA play-in game, the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 110-106 on their home turf. Following this victory, the Lakers secured the 7th seed in the Western Conference playoffs and are set to face the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, in the first round. Meanwhile, the Pelicans will have to navigate through the second play-in round to determine their playoff fate.
Despite the Pelicans’ unfortunate loss, backup center Larry Nance Jr. put on an impressive performance. Nance Jr. logged 27 minutes and 42 seconds of playtime, shooting 4 for 7 from the field, including 1 of 2 from beyond the arc, and making 2 of 2 free throws, tallying 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists for a double-double. He also contributed 2 turnovers and 5 fouls, along with 5 offensive rebounds, ending with a +7 plus-minus rating. Nance Jr. displayed commendable offensive efficiency, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities through offensive rebounds, exhibiting decent inside scoring, showcasing some outside shooting ability, and surpassing expectations in passing and playmaking. While he struggled defensively, particularly against Anthony Davis, it’s understandable given the caliber of his opponent. Overall, Nance Jr.’s performance was commendable despite the team’s loss.
Throughout the NBA regular season, Nance Jr. appeared in 61 games for the team, averaging 19.9 minutes per game and posting averages of 5.7 points, 5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1 steal, and 0.3 blocks. He maintained shooting percentages of 57.3% from the field, 41.5% from beyond the arc, and 77% from the free-throw line. Nance Jr. demonstrated solid performance on both ends of the floor, providing valuable support for the team’s offense and defense despite limited playing time and possessions. With increased trust and support, he has the potential to further elevate his performance and statistics.
In the recent game, the Pelicans’ starting center Jonas Valanciunas had a disastrous performance, failing to meet expectations on both offense and defense, leading to chaotic situations for the team while he was on the court. Fortunately, Nance Jr.’s stellar performance helped stabilize the Pelicans’ performance, preventing them from falling too far behind, or else the outcome could have been even more dire. It remains to be seen whether the Pelicans will consider starting Nance Jr. as their center in the crucial upcoming play-in game, where their fate will be decided.
