A barnburner of a game, the Play-In Tournament matchup between the Pelicans and the Lakers proved that the NBA’s move to broaden the playoff field earlier this decade was justified. Thanks to LeBron James’s ability to continue playing after a terrifying incident in the first half, the Lakers were able to withstand a ferocious recovery and win 110-106 on the road, securing the #7 seed in the Western Conference.

The game’s two main attractions, James and Zion Williamson, had a collision at a crucial point, but they both managed to recover and give the Smoothie King Center crowd a show.

An Important Lesson for LeBronJames tried tо rush Pelicans pоwer fоrward Ziоn Williamsоn in the first half in an effоrt tо draw an оffensive fоul. James, whо is 6 feet 9 inches tall and 250 pоunds, is a massive man whо can take a beating. Williamsоn, thоugh, is taller and heavier at 6 feet 6 inches and 284 pоunds, and he knоcked the King tо the flооr.

 

Thankfully, both players were well, which is great news for the NBA and everyone else involved. However, Williamson did leave the game before the final buzzer because of “left leg soreness.” In 36 minutes played, Williamson scored 40 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists, making him perhaps the best player on the court.

But in the end, James would come out on top. With 23 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds in New Orleans, the 39-year-old showed that he is still defying the march of time. In the first round of the NBA playoffs, he will have the responsibility of leading Los Angeles past the defending champion Denver Nuggets, who are the #2 seed in the West.