Pelicans put finishing touches on Lakers: 3 takeaways

The New Orleans Pelicans put the Los Angeles Lakers away in the 4th quarter last night, sweeping the season series and potentially ending the Lakers’ chances at the play-in tournament.

The Pels now hold a three game lead over the Lakers with just five to play, so their magic number to make the play-in is down to two.

The Lakers now trail the Spurs by a game for the 10th and final play-in spot, and if they don’t get it, the Pelicans are almost guaranteed to keep the draft pick the Lakers owe them, which would be icing on the cake.

With so much on the line, it was amazing to see the New Orleans Pelicans step up in a hostile atmosphere against one of the All-Time greats.

Here are three takeaways from the biggest win of the season, as the Pelicans put a nail in the Lakers’ coffin.

New Orleans Pelicans show poise in playoff atmosphere

I was curious to see how the young Pelicans would step up in a playoff-style atmosphere considering most of them have never been in these types of games.

After playing sloppily early, the Pelicans settled down and played with poise for the rest of the game, never letting the Lakers go on a big run or get the crowd involved.

The packed arena was mostly subdued and nervous, as it was a tight game that never saw a lead bigger than six.

The Pelicans looked like the veteran squad, as they routinely got to the free-throw line every time the Lakers went on a run, slowed the game down and kept the crowd out of it.

They played like a smart, well-coached team, made all of the right plays down the stretch and once again left the Lakers stunned.

The Pelicans are rolling, which makes me wonder what their ceiling really is this season.