Anthony Davis had 31 points and 13 rebounds as the New Orleans Pelicans earned their first playoff berth since 2011 with a 108-103 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
Davis, who will make his playoff debut against Golden State, came through in the waning minutes with two jumpers, two blocks and two rebounds to prevent the Spurs from pulling off a 23-point comeback.
Tyreke Evans had 19 points and 11 assists, and Eric Gordon added 14 points for New Orleans, which had to win to make the post-season because Oklahoma City also won in Minnesota. The teams finished with identical records, but the Pelicans held the tiebreaker on head-to-head results.
Jrue Holiday added 11 points, capped by game-sealing free throws with 9.5 seconds left.
Tony Parker had 23 points and Borris Diaw 20 for San Antonio, which needed to win to secure the second seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The loss ended the Spurs’ 11-game winning streak.
THUNDER 138, TIMBERWOLVES 113
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, Russell Westbrook scored 37 points in Oklahoma City’s victory over Minnesota that was rendered moot by New Orleans’ playoff-clinching win over San Antonio.
The Thunder needed to a win in the regular-season finale and a loss from the Pelicans to make the playoffs. Westbrook locked up his first scoring title to hold up his end of the bargain, but the Pelicans beat the Spurs. That means the Thunder will miss the playoffs for the first time since Westbrook’s rookie season in 2008-2009.
Andrew Wiggins had 23 points and six rebounds for the Timberwolves (16-66), who finished with the worst record in the league. They will have a 25 percent chance at the No. 1 draft pick when the NBA lottery is held on May 19.
NETS 101, MAGIC 88
In New York, Brooklyn clinched the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, beating Orlando and getting help when Memphis knocked off Indiana.
The Nets and Pacers tied at 38-44, and Brooklyn earned the No. 8 seed after winning the season series. The Nets will visit top-seeded Atlanta on Sunday for their playoff opener.
In other NBA action, it was:
‧ Grizzlies 95, Pacers 83
‧ Warriors 133, Nuggets 126
‧ Rockets 117, Jazz 91
‧ Mavericks 114, Blazers 98
‧ Cavaliers 113, Wizards 108
‧ Raptors 92, Hornets 87
‧ Bulls 91, Hawks 85
‧ Celtics 105, Bucks 100
‧ Kings 122, Lakers 99
‧ Pistons 112, Knicks 90
‧ Heat 105, 76ers 101 b>
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