LAS VEGAS (AP) – LeBron James got 30 points in under three quarters, and the Los Angeles Lakers easily beat the New Orleans Pelicans 133-89 on Thursday night. This win takes them to the championship game in the NBA In-Season Tournament.
The Lakers are set to face the surprising Indiana Pacers on Saturday night for the first NBA Cup. Indiana earned their spot with a 128-119 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in the other semifinal. It’s important to note that, unlike the other tournament games, this one won’t affect the regular-season standings.
Austin Reaves got 17 points for Los Angeles, Anthony Davis had 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, and Taurean Prince ended the game with 15 points.
Trey Murphy III was the top scorer for the Pelicans with 14 points, and Zion Williamson scored 13.
PACERS 128-BUCKS 119
LAS VEGAS (AP) – Tyrese Haliburton played a key role, scoring 27 points and providing 15 assists to help Indiana defeat Milwaukee.
Myles Turner contributed 26 points for the Pacers, while Obi Toppin scored 14 with an efficient 6-of-8 shooting.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 37 points and 10 rebounds. Damian Lillard contributed 24 points, Khris Middleton had 20, and Brook Lopez scored 18.
Indiana started the fourth quarter strong with a 14-8 run, securing a 105-102 lead. Turner, Brown, and Haliburton combined for 17 points in the final stretch of the game, contributing to a game-ending 21-13 run.
