Defending NBA champions Golden State Warriors set an NBA record yesterday while sealing a play-off spot courtesy their 157-101 victory at Portland Trail Blazers.
The Warriors needed a win for a top-six finish in the Western Conference.
They did so emphatically, scoring a record 55 points in the first quarter to lead 55-27 with two-time MVP Stephen Curry shooting 26 points in 22 minutes.
The Los Angeles Clippers secured the other remaining play-off spot after beating the Phoenix Suns 119-114 to secure the number five seed and a rematch with Phoenix in the first round of the play-offs.
The Clippers’ win left the Warriors as the sixth seed, meaning they will face the Sacramento Kings next.
The Los Angeles Lakers were hoping to snatch a guaranteed play-off spot on the final day and LeBron James scored 36 points with eight three-pointers as they beat the Utah Jazz 128-117.
But with the Clippers and Warriors both winning, they had to settle for the seventh seed in the West and a spot in the play-in tournament.
The Lakers will play the Minnesota Timberwolves, who beat the New Orleans Pelicans to win 113-108 and move past the Pelicans into eighth place.
Teams ranked seven to 10 will compete in the play-in tournament to determine seeds seven and eight for the play-offs.
Teams ranked 9th &10th in each conference will play each other while 7th and 8th face off.
The winner of the 7th vs 8th moves into the playoffs as 7th seed while the loser of that match will play the winner of the 9th vs 10th for the final place in the playoffs.
Play-in fixtures
- Eastern Conference
Atlanta Hawks v Miami Heat
Chicago Bulls v Toronto Raptors
- Western Conference
Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Lakers
Oklahoma City Thunder v New Orleans Pelicans
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