SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The New Orleans Pelicans delivered a commanding performance against the Sacramento Kings, cruising to a 133-100 victory on Sunday. CJ McCollum was the standout performer, scoring 30 points with an impressive seven 3-pointers. This win marks the Pelicans’ sixth consecutive road victory and their fourth win this season against the Kings, including a significant quarterfinal triumph in Sacramento during the In-Season Tournament.
Jonas Valanciunas and Brandon Ingram each added 15 points for the Pelicans, with Valanciunas also securing 12 rebounds. Pelicans coach Willie Green praised the team’s performance, stating, “It was beautiful … just wire to wire. It was fun basketball to watch. They executed on both ends of the floor.”
Despite both teams being in contention for the Western Conference playoffs, the Pelicans showed their superiority, especially notable given their recent 16-point home loss to the Clippers. Domantas Sabonis contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Kings, but their star guard, De’Aaron Fox, struggled, scoring only three points.
Kings coach Mike Brown acknowledged the Pelicans’ superiority, expressing disappointment with his team’s performance and apologizing to the fans for the lack of fight displayed.
The Pelicans’ victory was even more impressive considering the absence of Zion Williamson due to a right quad contusion and Jose Alvarado missing the game due to a non-COVID illness.
New Orleans set the tone early, leading by 12 after the first quarter and extending their lead with a 12-2 run to start the second. McCollum played a pivotal role, and Ingram, with eight assists, commended his teammate for finding his rhythm and maintaining confidence in his shooting.
The Pelicans’ lead ballooned to 27 by halftime, with Ingram’s seven consecutive points highlighting their dominance. They maintained this intensity in the second half, increasing their lead to 40 by late in the third quarter. The visitors also outperformed the Kings on the glass, outrebounding them 51-25.
McCollum noted the satisfaction of winning on an opponent’s home floor, especially amidst the home crowd’s disappointment.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will face the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, while the Kings are set to play against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.
