On March 31st, I booked a flight back to New Orleans landing at 7:20 PM on April 23rd to surprise my mother for her birthday on the 24th (today). At the time of my purchase, the Pelicans were 2 1/2 games back of the 42-32 Thunder at 39-34, so having the opportunity to also attend New Orleans’ first NBA playoff game in four years was hardly a secondary motivator for the trip.
Two weeks later, after the signature win of Anthony Davis’ short career thus far at home over the Spurs, the New Orleans Pelicans were improbably playoff-bound. Immediately after that incredible victory, I began searching all over the internet for the first round playoff schedule, in disbelief that I may actually be able get to a playoff game.