Thousands of assists are handed out over the course of every NBA season, including 467 by New Orleans through its first 18 games. However, perhaps the most important “assist” of the team’s 2023-24 campaign took place Tuesday, roughly 500 miles away in the state of Texas.
By virtue of Dallas’ 121-115 home In-Season Tournament victory over Houston, the Mavericks eliminated the Rockets from contention for the top spot in West Group B. That result allowed New Orleans (3-1) to remain atop the group standings. The Pelicans advanced to the tournament’s quarterfinal (knockout) stage, which will be held Dec. 4-5 in NBA arenas.
New Orleans will play against Sacramento at 9 p.m. Monday in the quarterfinal round. The Kings will host the game. The semifinals will be Thursday in Las Vegas with the tournament final being played at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.