CMMS Mav News

The NBA Play-In is a tournament for teams to try and get into the playoffs. The teams that make it into the Play-In are the 7–10 seeds from both West and East Conferences. 

The first matchup of the Play-in was the Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans. The game was close most of the way, but at half the Lakers were leading. Then late in the 4th quarter, star player for the New Orleans Pelicans, Zion Williamson, gets injured and is out for the game. With seconds left, it is tied, but then D’Angelo Russell hits a crucial 3 pointer to put the Lakers in the lead and to win the game. 

The second matchup in the Play-In was the Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors. The Kings dominated the whole game, with Keegan Murray scoring 32 points to eliminate the Warriors. The final score was 118–94 with the Kings winning. 

On the Eastern side of the Play-In bracket, the Miami Heat played the Philadelphia 76ers, who ultimately had won the game. Miami Heat led at halftime, with a score of 51-39. But then the 76ers made a comeback. It goes down to the wire but then the Philadelphia 76ers player, Nicola Batum, makes a great block which gives the 76ers the ball again to score. Due to that block, the 76ers were able to win 105-104 and to make it in the playoffs.

In the fourth game in the tournament, the Atlanta Hawks played the Chicago Bulls, the game was close until Coby White started to make every shot. He led the Bulls to a big victory, with a 131-116 win.

Lastly, the final match up in the Eastern Play-In was the Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat. The Heat led the game from the start with leading at half at 47-37, Heat was able to grow their lead and became the 8th seed in the Playoffs.

In the final game of the Play-In, the Kings versus the Pelicans, competed to win the game. At half-time, the score was 45 to 54, Pelicans winning. Near the end of the game, Trey Murphy of the Pelicans had a nice dunk to win the game. 

The Lakers and Pelicans were able to get in the playoffs on the Western time, while the 76ers and the Heat made it in on the Eastern side. We continue to wait to see who will be victorious in the NBA Playoffs.

Written by Django Courtermanche and Alexander Smith