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Kings' Reign Over Pelicans Interrupted in New Orleans Showdown

The Sacramento Kings faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans, culminating in a tight contest that ended with a score of 105-98. The Kings now stand with their record reflecting the outcome of this game, while the Pelicans improved theirs accordingly.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 19: Herb Jones #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket during the game against the Sacramento Kings during the 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament on April 19, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

The Kings started strong, taking an early lead and finishing the first quarter ahead by two points. However, they fell behind in the second quarter as the Pelicans outscored them by eleven points. The third quarter saw a resurgence from Sacramento, putting up twenty-nine points to keep themselves within striking distance. Despite matching their opponents' intensity in the final period and scoring twenty-four points, it wasn't enough to secure victory.


Sacramento's performance was marked by solid contributions across various statistical categories. They amassed fifty-two total rebounds with fourteen offensive boards contributing to seventeen second-chance points. Their shooting from inside was particularly effective; they made twenty-two out of thirty-five attempts for a sixty-three percent success rate in paint scoring.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 19:  De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings handles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2024 Play-In Tournament on April 19, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes./NBAE via Getty Images)

On defense, Sacramento managed to block four shots and steal possession nine times from their opponents but struggled to contain New Orleans' offense overall. The Kings also had fifteen turnovers which translated into seventeen points for the Pelicans.


A standout statistic for Sacramento was their fast-break execution; they converted six out of nine opportunities into sixteen fast-break points at a sixty-seven percent clip.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 19:  De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings plays defense during the game  against Jose Alvarado #15 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2024 Play-In Tournament on April 19, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes./NBAE via Getty Images)

Despite these efforts, New Orleans held control for most of the game with over thirty-three minutes spent in the lead compared to just over ten minutes for Sacramento. The biggest lead held by Sacramento was seven points—a stark contrast to New Orleans' largest advantage of twenty points during play.


New Orleans showcased efficient ball movement resulting in twenty-nine assists and capitalized on turnovers better than their counterparts with eighteen points off turnovers compared to seventeen by Sacramento.


As fans look forward to future games, they can catch all action live as it unfolds on broadcasts tailored for them.

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