Keon Ellis drilled seven three-pointers and scored 27 points to help the Sacramento Kings (28-26) secure a 119-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans (12-42) on Wednesday night.
Zach LaVine added 23 points, scoring 20 in the second half, while DeMar DeRozan contributed 24 as the Kings extended their winning streak to three games. Sacramento closed the game with an 11-2 run, starting with a LaVine three and ending with a DeRozan turnaround jumper.
Domantas Sabonis recorded 16 points and 15 rebounds, marking his 48th double-double in 51 games. Malik Monk provided 17 points off the bench as the Kings overcame a significant deficit in points in the paint, getting outscored 70-40 inside.
Zion Williamson led all scorers with 33 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Pelicans, who have now lost 10 straight games for the second time this season. New Orleans kept the game competitive through three quarters, with 13 lead changes and 12 ties before fading late.
Trey Murphy III finished with 19 points, Jose Alvarado added 18, and CJ McCollum chipped in 14 for New Orleans. Antonio Reeves hit a corner three to bring the Pelicans within 104-102 with 5:36 left, but LaVine responded immediately with a three to spark the Kings’ decisive run.
Sacramento shot 16-of-45 (35.6%) from deep compared to just 8-of-32 (25%) by New Orleans. The Kings also made 21 free throws compared to the Pelicans’ 15.
Bruce Brown played his first game for New Orleans after being acquired at the trade deadline, scoring four points in 26 minutes off the bench. Center Kelly Olynyk, another trade acquisition, did not play, while Karlo Matkovic fouled out in 15 minutes of action.
