The Sacramento Kings snapped a 16-year playoff drought this season because of their scoring.
Behind speedy guard De’Aaron Fox and skilled big man Domantas Sabonis, the Kings have been one of the NBA’s most high-powered attacks. They came into Tuesday’s game averaging 119 points per 100 possessions, the highest mark in league history.
The New Orleans Pelicans could not keep up. Poor shooting and turnover issues plagued them in a 121-103 loss to the Kings at Smoothie King Center.
The Pelicans (40-39) remained in eighth place in the Western Conference. They are clinging to a half-game lead over the ninth-place Minnesota Timberwolves (40-40).
The Pelicans had won seven of eight games before Tuesday’s tilt. Brandon Ingram’s strong play was the biggest reason for their resurgence. He scored at least 25 points in nine consecutive games. That streak came to an end against the Kings.
Ingram finished with 22 points on 7-of-15 shooting and seven turnovers. He scored eight points after the first quarter.
The Pelicans had trouble generating good looks throughout the game. Ingram committed an offensive foul late in the third quarter for his seventh turnover. The Pelicans were down by 13 at that point.
The Kings scored 23 points off the Pelicans’ turnovers. Their offense hummed with Sabonis pushing the pace. He scored 16 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and handed out 11 assists.
Kings rookie Keegan Murray was one of Sabonis’ frequent passing targets. Murray scored 21 points, all of which came off of 3-pointers. He hit seven triples — the same amount the Pelicans did as a team.
CJ McCollum missed all four of the 3s he attempted. The veteran guard had an off shooting night, converting 6 of 19 field goals.
The loss meant that the Pelicans must wait to clinch a spot in the play-in tournament. They need a win in any of their three remaining games to guarantee themselves a spot in the postseason. They next play Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies in New Orleans.
Time is running out for New Orleans to get injured star Zion Williamson back on the floor during the regular season. The Pelicans are expected to issue another update about Williamson’s right hamstring Wednesday.
Coach Willie Green said the team would “ideally” like Williamson to at least get one practice under his belt before playing again. The Pelicans’ next practice is scheduled for Saturday — the day before their regular-season finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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