Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Pelicans win play-in clashes to qualify for playoffs

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Atlanta Hawks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 107-101 and the New Orleans Pelicans secured a 105-101 win against the Los Angeles Clippers to book their playoff tickets on Friday night.

Trae Young led the Hawks to the victory, producing 38 points and nine assists. Serbian guard Bogdan Bogdanovic came off the bench to add 19 points and five rebounds.

Five players registered in double-digit for the losing side at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Lauri Markkanen was the highest scorer on his team with 26 points and eight rebounds.

Darius Garland (21), Evan Mobley (18), Caris LeVert (16), and Jarrett Allen (11) were the Cleveland's other double-digit scorers.

In another play-in game, the Pelicans claimed the No.8 seed after eliminating the Clippers.

Brandon Ingram played with 30 points, six rebounds, and six assists, as Larry Nance posted a double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds at Crypto.com Arena.

For the losing side, Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson finished with 27 points each.

Meanwhile, the Clippers were without Paul George due to the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

The Phoenix Suns will take on the New Orleans Pelicans and the Atlanta Hawks will play against Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.