Scoreboard
Hawks 132, Hornets 103
Pelicans 113, Spurs 103
What went down
If yesterday’s games made the case for why play-in games should stay, today was not as much of a success for the fans of NBA purgatory.
The Hawks-Hornets game was competitive at the start but quickly devolved in the second half when Charlotte's defense collapsed. Atlanta was up by 25 with three minutes left in the third quarter, making Charlotte’s second straight play-in defeat academic.
Out West, it was the same story for Pelicans-Spurs. New Orleans, fueled by CJ McCollum, surged in the first half and never looked back. The final score didn't do justice to how thoroughly the Pelicans outplayed the Spurs.
It was, however, a big treat seeing the New Orleans crowd come out and pack the Smoothie King Center. Just like with the Timberwolves fans yesterday, Pelicans fans did not have a lot of reasons to fill the arena in past seasons. When they got a morsel of success, everyone wanted more.
On Saturday, play-in action continues. The Hawks face the Cleveland Cavaliers while the Pelicans take on the Los Angeles Clippers for the eighth seeds in their respective conferences.
Big-time baller
CJ McCollum showed why New Orleans traded for him at the deadline. The veteran showed off his experience and carried New Orleans with 27 points in the first half.
He finished with 32 points on 12-for-23 shooting with six rebounds and seven assists.
CJ McCollum was ON FIRE in the first half of the #MetaQuestPlayIn
— NBA (@NBA) April 14, 2022
🔥 27 PTS (10/12 FGM) in the half
🔥 19 PTS (7/7 FGM) in Q2
SAS 50 | NOP 61
Halftime on ESPN pic.twitter.com/jHneM3Gdz4
The Pelicans next take on the Clippers, who feature some of McCollum's former Portland teammates from this season.
What he said
This is more about what Greg Popovich didn’t say. With the Spurs’ elimination, Pop just completed his 26th season with the organization. He remained mum about his plans as rumors continued to percolate about his impending retirement.
San Antonio's Gregg Popovich says any question about his plans to coach next season or leave the bench is "inappropriate" immediately after the Spurs' loss in New Orleans tonight after a 34-48 season.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 14, 2022
More NBA from me: https://t.co/A6ycVmnrjq
The last few seasons have been a stark contrast to Pop’s early days with the Spurs, going from coaching a perennial playoff contender for two decades to developing a young team.
It would be a shock for Pop to leave a team that needs his guidance, but what else does he have to prove?
Did you see that?
The NBA Finals logo everyone loved is back – tweaked, but it’s here, nonetheless. If only the league would also bring back the giant Larry O’Brien trophies at the center court logos.
THE SCRIPT IS BACK! pic.twitter.com/impKyuvFMG
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 13, 2022
Also, Zion Williamson is recovering still from his foot injury. These 360 dunks are, apparently, just a part of his scheduled rehab.
Zion with the 360 dunk during his pregame workout. 👀
— Cassidy Hubbarth (@CassidyHubbarth) April 13, 2022
He is still out indefinitely but is progressing well and is continuing controlled 5 on 5 work. pic.twitter.com/PyAGJj4ney
