Domantas Sabonis delivered a dominant performance, posting a season-high 32 points and tying a season-best with 20 rebounds, as the Sacramento Kings edged the New Orleans Pelicans 111-109 on Thursday night. The win pushed Sacramento to a .500 record at 13-13, while the Pelicans fell to a dismal 5-21.
DeMar DeRozan contributed 29 points, while Keegan Murray and De’Aaron Fox added 18 points each for the Kings, who extended their winning streak to three games. Sacramento has now won four of its last five contests.
CJ McCollum spearheaded New Orleans’ offense with 36 points, hitting a season-high six three-pointers. McCollum’s three-point play with 1:20 left brought the Pelicans within two points, but critical defensive stops by the Kings preserved the victory.
Malik Monk played a pivotal role on defense in the closing seconds, forcing a turnover from Dejounte Murray. Sabonis secured the loose ball for his 20th rebound, sealing the win for Sacramento.
Trey Murphy III scored 21 points for the Pelicans but struggled after a hot start, managing only five points following the first quarter. Dejounte Murray added 20 points and nine assists, while Yves Missi grabbed 11 rebounds despite being limited by foul trouble.
The Kings capitalized on their dominance in second-chance opportunities, converting 18 offensive rebounds into 21 points. They also outscored New Orleans 27-17 at the free-throw line, shooting an impressive 93.1% from the charity stripe.
Sacramento’s defense held firm in crucial moments. The Kings forced 17 turnovers and out-rebounded New Orleans 50-43. Keegan Murray’s late-game heroics, including a three-pointer and a baseline floater, gave Sacramento just enough breathing room.
For the Pelicans, the loss marks their 21st in 24 games. Despite shooting a solid 47% from the field and 37.8% from beyond the arc, turnovers and fouls proved costly. Missi’s foul troubles allowed Sabonis to control the paint, and New Orleans’ inability to secure defensive rebounds further hindered their chances.
The Pelicans, riddled with injuries, were without key players such as Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Jose Alvarado. The absences have left New Orleans struggling to find consistency, with McCollum and Murphy often shouldering the offensive load.
