Pelicans Clinch Play-In Spot, Defeat Kings 123-109

Jaxson Hayes stepped into a leading role to help the New Orleans Pelicans clinch an NBA Playoffs Play-In spot with a 123-109 win over former coach Alvin Gentry's Sacramento Kings.

Hayes scored 23 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and made two of his three three-point attempts to close out a crucial road trip.

Willy Hernangomez finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds in supporting Hayes patrolling the paint while pushing the Pelicans out on the break.

CJ McCollum added the star power with 23 points, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 4 rebounds. Ingram was solid in a supporting role, adding 17 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds in a complete team effort to secure a postseason appearance.

Devonte' Graham (14 pts, 5/8 FGM, 2 ast) and Trey Murphy III (14 pts) were constant threats with penetrating drives and perimeter spacing. The Pelicans had 40 points from the bench, allowing them to maintain a lead throughout the game. They'll need the bench production to continue to close out the season and earn entrance into an NBA Playoff series against the Phoenix Suns.

Green said after the win, "It was extremely important for me to come in with the right perspective, the right mindset. Having gone through adversity in our lives and leaning on those experiences, helped to let our guys know we are going to be fine. We just have to continue to stay with it, continue to trust each other. We made a commitment to each other that every day we walk into the gym, the gym won't change. The music will be going. We will enjoy it. We will have laughter. And we will get after it and let the chips fall where they may. We've stayed committed to it."

New Orleans' commitment to having fun and finishing this season as a team is undeniable. These Pelicans are playing loose with little pressure after a 1-12 start and now an NBA Playoff berth. They've seen the bottom of the valley and still believe they can reach the highest peaks in franchise history.

Vibes at shootaround ⬆️⬆️⬆️ pic.twitter.com/fd4lfi8i5P
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 5, 2022

Hayes said the team was ready to "show off what we can do in the playoffs."

Hernangomez credited Green for being the "head of the snake" of a "resilient group. "We always trust. We also believe in ourselves and in each other. It doesn't matter how we started. It was about working and getting better every day...It's hard when you have new coaches, new players. Basically, we changed everything. I think it's been a work in progress, but we did really well. The trust was there. We knew we were getting better every day. We are scary at the right time."

The Pelicans won each quarter, hit more three-pointers, snatched three times as many steals, and had 58 points in the paint. New Orleans had 14 offensive rebounds to Sacramento's three.

Green's only complaint could be the 13 turnovers. Otherwise, he was happy in the locker room after the contest.

Willie Green talks to his team after the W...@PelicansNBA | #WBD pic.twitter.com/Wba5JXbpwF
— Bally Sports New Orleans (@BallySportsNO) April 6, 2022

The Pelicans have three games remaining to refine their rotations and correct any mistakes before facing the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Coach Green knows he cannot waste the opportunity.

According to Hayes, including Zion Williamson, the players are ready to seize the moment.

"For me, BI, and Big Z it is huge" to get a playoff moment to see where they stack up. He did give credit to "Coach Fred (Vinson), Spoon (Teresa Weatherspoon), Matt (Ryan), everyone who has been here. We are all just excited to get to the play-in."

The Spurs are only one game behind and hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. New Orleans will need a couple of wins and one Spurs loss to guarantee the elimination game will be held in Smoothie King Center.

Jaxson Hayes just let slip that Zion Williamson will be back for that crucial game.

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