UNDATED (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans have extended their seasons by winning their respective NBA play-in games.
Trae Young bounced back from a sluggish start to finish with 24 points in the Hawks’ 132-103 dismantling of the Hornets. De’Andre Hunter provided 16 of his 22 points while the Hawks outscored Charlotte, 42-24 in the third quarter to take a 27-point lead.
Clint Capela had 15 points and 17 rebounds for Atlanta, which played without John Collins and Lou Williams.
The Hawks will take on the Cavaliers on Friday, with the winner advancing to the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.
LaMelo Ball had 26 points but hit only 7 of 25 shots in the Hornets’ elimination game.
CJ McCollum scored 27 of his 32 points in the first half of the Pelicans’ 113-103 victory against the Spurs. Brandon Ingram shook off foul trouble to add 27 points for New Orleans, which led 96-75 with 10:39 remaining. Jonas Valaciunas had 22 points and 14 rebounds to help the Pelicans earn a meeting with the Clippers on Friday.
New Orleans has advanced this far despite a 3-16 start to the season.
Devin Vassell had a team-high 23 points for the Spurs, who made things interesting with a 16-1 run in the final period.
