In a thrilling matchup, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram showcased their late-game prowess, leading the New Orleans Pelicans (8-7) to a hard-fought 117-112 victory over the Sacramento Kings (8-6).

The dynamic duo’s extra practice on late-game scenarios paid off, with Williamson scoring 25 points and Ingram adding 21 in a game that saw the Pelicans regroup after nearly squandering a 14-point fourth-quarter lead.

The Pelicans’ recent success, marked by their second straight win against the Kings and a 4-1 record in their last five games, reflects a significant turnaround from a challenging stretch that included a five-game losing skid.

Jonas Valanciunas contributed a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, complementing Williamson and Ingram’s offensive firepower.

The Pelicans’ balanced scoring, including 13 points from Jordan Hawkins and 12 from Naji Marshall, played a crucial role in securing the victory.

De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 26 points, while Domantas Sabonis contributed 23 points and nine rebounds. Harrison Barnes added 22 points for Sacramento.

The Pelicans started the fourth quarter with a seemingly comfortable 93-79 lead, only to see it vanish during a spirited Kings’ comeback, featuring an 18-4 run.