The NBA Playoff Picture is now mostly set, as the New Orleans Pelicans have clinched the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, eliminating the Thunder.
For the first time since they had Chris Paul on roster, a basketball team from New Orleans is heading to the postseason. It’s been a long time since the Pelicans have made the playoffs abut MVP candidate Anthony Davis has picked the team up and carried them in a way not many saw him doing this early in his career.
But that’s what Davis has been able to do, as despite a blowout win by the Thunder, New Orleans has eliminated Oklahoma City and ended their season on the final day of the regular season.
Here’s a look at the updated NBA Playoff Picture after the Pelicans clinched the No. 8 seed in the West.
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It’s a growing process for the Pelicans, as they probably won’t beat the Golden State Warriors in the first-round and they almost certainly won’t make it out of the second round in a matchup against either Portland or Houston.
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Stranger things have happened in the postseason though, and the Pelicans are — at the very least — in the mix for a title. That’s an incredible statement given how low this franchise has sunk at times, but moves they made this season have put together a playoff roster in one of the hardest conferences in sports to win in.
Anthony Davis was supposed to take the next step this season and he did. Not only did he personally take leaps forward towards becoming a superstar, but he lifted New Orleans to the postseason and has officially become the identity and the leader of his team.
The Pelicans will travel to Golden State to take on the Warriors on Saturday in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs.
Next: Updated NBA Playoff Picture
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