Ellis, LaVine, DeRozan combine for 74 in Kings 119-111 win over Pelicans

Keon Ellis (27), DeMar DeRozan (24), and Zach LaVine (23) combined for 74 points in Sacramento's 119-111 win over the Pelicans.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Feb 12, 2025, 7:33 PM Updated: 7:38 pm

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 12: Keon Ellis #23 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after scoring a...

(Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images)

On the shoulders of their three-point shooting advantage, the Sacramento Kings defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 119-111 Wednesday night in Smoothie King Center. It’s the first of two consecutive matchups between the two teams.

Keon Ellis (27), DeMar DeRozan (24), and Zach LaVine (23) led the way for Sacramento with 74 combined points.

The Pelicans dominated in the paint, thanks to Zion Williamson, where they had 70 points. However, the Kings doubled their opposition and made triples, going 16/45 from beyond the arc.

Cleaning up their turnovers, committing just one in the second half after ten in the first, was crucial to their success. It wasn’t pretty, but Sacramento’s record improved to 27-26 no matter what.

Kings at New Orleans Injury Report

Sacramento

Devin Carter (G-League) – OUT
Isaiah Crawford (G-League) – OUT

New Orleans

Dejounte Murray (right achilles) – OUT
Herbert Jones (right shoulder) – OUT
Kelly Olynyk (not with team) – OUT
Brandon Boston (left ankle) – OUT
Jamal Cain (non-COVID illness) – OUT
Keion Brooks Jr. (G-League) – OUT

Sacramento’s Starting Five: Malik Monk, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis

New Orleans’ Starting Five: Jose Alvarado, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, Yves Missi

Kings at Pelicans Game Notes

In their first of a two-game back-to-back against the Pelicans in New Orleans, the Kings hoped to get an early edge in Smoothie King Center. The starting group had a typical back-and-forth start to action, but things changed hastily when Doug Christie replaced Monk with the early substitution of Ellis.

Many have questioned if Sacramento should insert the defensive guard into the starting group, but the early substitution allows him to play extended minutes alongside four other starters.

The defensive attention that DeRozan, LaVine, and Sabonis attracted left Ellis with a few easy catch-and-shoot attempts from three. After converting a couple, it felt like he was on fire and not slowing down.

Keon-a-heater 👀 🔥

Splash of the Game presented by @KJWines https://t.co/v42RWRIQcz pic.twitter.com/PUahu56K50

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) February 13, 2025

An 11-2 run with that unit left the Kings with a 19-13 advantage a little more than halfway through the opening frame. As the bench continued to enter the game — Jonas Valanciunas, Jake LaRavia, and Trey Lyles — they extended the advantage to 31-15. Sacramento started the game 12/16 from the field.

However, poor defensive efforts allowed the Pelicans to recover, as Williamson went on an individual 7-0 run. His aggressiveness in attacking the rim was apparent and causing trouble.

Leading 34-26 at the end of one, Ellis had 13 of Sacramento’s points, carrying that momentum forward.

Due to Williamson’s aggressiveness, Sabonis recorded his third personal in the second. With him remaining in the game, the Pelicans took advantage of Sabonis’ situation by driving to the rim, where they were met with little resistance — keeping New Orleans alive despite poor three-point shooting.

The offensive showcase continued, with DeRozan continuing to find Ellis from triple. As has been the case for most of their recent showings, both sides alternated extensive runs.

New Orleans’ 12-3 tun towards the end of the second left the Kings with a narrow 65-63 advantage going into halftime. Ellis had a game-high 22 points on 6/9 from three — his career-high for points in a half — while DeRozan added 16 points and five assists on 6/8 shooting.

Williamson led the way for his side, with 19 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals as the primary factor in the Pelicans’ 38-24 advantage in the paint up to that point.

Turnovers continued to hinder the Kings, with 10 in the first half leading to 12 points for New Orleans — 50 of 63 first-half points came from the paint of off of turnovers.

When Ellis checked into the action, Christie elected to alter his adjustments, removing LaVine (who had just two shot attempts at halftime).

McCollum, who had a quiet night up to that point, rallied nine quick points in the frame, attempting to regain control for his side. He and Monk had a brief, cordial back-and-forth after a tough foul.

But, it was Valanciunas who had the highlight of the quarter. With the shot clock winding down as they dribbled around the perimeter, they dumped the ball into him with seconds remaining.

HOLY JONAS 😱

Highlight of the Game presented by Pest Pros Pest Solutions pic.twitter.com/vLcB0WWvOS

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) February 13, 2025

After a convincing pump fake, the big man attacked the baseline and threw down a reverse slam. The ability to bail out the team while consistently impacting the glass has helped their bench production.

Between himself and Ellis, the bench helped lead the Kings to a 92-86 lead going into the fourth.

From there, it seemed like there was an increased emphasis on helping defend the rim, specifically when it came to Williamson. Lyles took multiple charges on the former number-one overall pick, even though one was eventually overturned after the challenge.

Ellis knocked down his first triple of the second half about five minutes into the frame, giving the Kings a 102-97 lead. LaVine came alive, finally starting to convert from beyond the arc as he and DeRozan took offensive matters into their own hands.

It was all they needed to take them home. Ellis (27), DeRozan (24), and LaVine (23) combined for 74 of Sacramento’s 119 points while holding the Pelicans to 111.

Tomorrow night will feature a rematch of these two clubs, the Kings’ last action before All-Star weekend.