King-makers: Pels finish off Sacramento, in NBA cup semis

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 04: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks the ball against Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter of an NBA In-Season Tournament Knockout Round game at Golden 1 Center on December 04, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

by: Ed Daniels

Posted: Dec 4, 2023 / 11:46 PM EST

Updated: Dec 5, 2023 / 07:54 AM EST

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Pelicans are headed to the semifinals of the first ever NBA in-season tournament.

Brandon Ingram scored 30 points, Jonas Valanciunas 18, and CJ McCollum 17 as New Orleans defeated the Kings in Sacramento, 127-117.

The Pelicans, who have squandered several double digits leads this fall, led by 9 after three quarters, and never looked back.

The Pelicans will play Thursday night in Las Vegas against the winner of Tuesday night’s game between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers.

The winner of the West plays the winner of the East in the NBA cup finals Saturday night.

You can watch that game live on WGNO and ABC at 7:30 pm.

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