Kings Edge Pelicans in Intense Battle, Snap Losing Streak

NEW ORLEANS, LA — The Sacramento Kings secured a crucial 119-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, helping solidify their position in the Western Conference play-in race. The win marks the Kings’ third consecutive victory as they continue to navigate a significant season amidst player changes and injuries.

In a game that saw 13 lead changes and 12 ties, the Kings turned the tide during the final stretch. Zach LaVine, who tallied 23 points with 20 coming in the second half, hit crucial shots that spurred an 11-2 run in the game’s closing minutes. LaVine’s contributions included a key three-pointer that helped spark the Kings’ decisive performance late in the game.

“It wasn’t pretty, but we found a way to win,” LaVine commented after the game. “That’s what matters most at this point in the season.”

Domantas Sabonis continued his impressive form, adding 16 points and 15 rebounds to his season total, marking his 48th double-double in just 51 games this year. His presence in the paint was felt on both ends of the court, even as foul trouble limited his aggressiveness.

The Pelicans, still struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference with 10 consecutive losses, were led by Zion Williamson, who scored a game-high 33 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Despite his efforts and effective shooting, his team was unable to maintain pace with the Kings down the stretch.

<p“Zion is a beast,” Sacramento head coach Doug Christie said. “He’s tough to stop, but we managed to find some ways to limit his impact in crunch time.”

California’s Kings managed to overcome significant rebounding issues, being outscored 70-40 in the paint while still dominating the boards with a 48-40 advantage. Their success came from outside shooting, as they connected on 16 of 45 attempts from three-point range, compared to the Pelicans’ 8 of 32.

“We shot well from range, and that made a difference,” Christie added. “We’ve been focused on spreading the floor, and it’s starting to pay off.”

Keon Ellis excelled off the bench for Sacramento, boasting a remarkable 27-point performance on 10-for-14 shooting. Ellis, who has become a vital contributor, showcased his shooting skills, helping to keep the Kings ahead in a tight matchup.

The game reached a pivotal moment when LaVine’s three-pointer with just over five minutes left dug the Kings out of a tense back-and-forth battle. At that point, the Pelicans had just trimmed the lead to two points.

<p“Every possession counts in these games,” LaVine said. “We executed when it mattered most, and that’s what we can build on.”

The Kings will face the Pelicans again on Thursday in New Orleans, hoping to extend their winning streak as they aim for a stronger playoff position. The back-to-back matchup could present an opportunity for Sacramento against a struggling Pelicans team, which might rest Williamson as part of their cautious approach with his injury history.

While the Kings experienced challenges integrating new players Zach LaVine and Jonas Valančiūnas into their lineup, their offense is gradually adjusting. LaVine’s ability to drive the ball and draw fouls resulted in a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Valančiūnas provided impactful play on defense, managing to limit Williamson’s effectiveness significantly during critical moments of the game.

“We’re working together as a unit,” Sabonis stated. “We still have a lot to learn, but nights like this give us the confidence to keep pushing forward.”