Kings overcome 20-pt deficit, defeat Pelicans 123-118

The Sacramento Kings overcame a 20-point deficiet Sunday night, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 123-118 in Golden 1 Center.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Feb 8, 2025, 9:41 PM Updated: 9:51 pm

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PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 06: Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the second h...

(Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

It was a back-and-forth game Saturday night in Golden 1 Center, where the Sacramento Kings overcame a 20-point deficit to secure a much-needed 123-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Zach LaVine tallied 22 points, five assists, and four rebounds on 7/14 from the field, while Domantas Sabonis added 27 points and 16 rebounds on 10/18 shooting, helping their squad end a three-game skid and return to .500 on the season (26-26).

Zion Williamson (40 points), CJ McCollum (31 points), and Trey Murphy III (20 points) led New Orleans but got little aid from their teammates.

Making his Sacramento debut, Jake LaRavia (acquired from the Memphis Grizzles via trade) made a lasting impression on the G1C crowd. He ended the night with seven points, two rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal, but his willingness to do the little things stuck out above all else.

The Kings improved to .500 (26-26) with three games remaining until the All-Star break, including two more matchups with the Pelicans in New Orleans.

The 20 point comeback is the largest of the season for a win for the Sacramento Kings. #LightTheBeam

— Jason Ross (@JasonRoss1140) February 9, 2025

Kings vs. New Orleans Injury Report

Sacramento

Isaac Jones (inactive) – OUT

New Orleans

Dejounte Murray (right achilles) – OUT
Bruce Brown (not with team) – OUT
Herbert Jones (right shoulder) – OUT
Kelly Olynyk (not with team) – OUT
Jamal Cain (inactive) – 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 vs. Pelicans Game Notes

After defeating the Kings six times last season (including the play-in), the Pelicans got off to a hot start in Golden 1 Center Saturday night. They hit nine of their first 12 shots, including 5/5 from three, jumping out to a 24-6 lead.

Sacramento’s perimeter defense was poor, but their new bench improvements quickly made their presence known after checking in.

Within seconds of checking in for the first time, LaRavia got a steal and transition bucket. He banked in a triple not long after.

The bench-heavy lineup of Monk/Ellis/LaRavia/Lyles/Valanciunas helped them recover from the early deficit, going on a 15-2 run to close out the frame. Their length, physicality, and presence on the glass seemed to benefit them, allowing them to get out in transition after New Orleans misses.

But, that same group lost their momentum in a hurry, allowing their opposition to cruise to an 11-2 run to start the second quarter. Once again, the Pelicans were sitting comfortably with a 15-point lead over the Kings.

It was raining buckets in G1C, mainly favoring the road team. Willamson got into the paint with force, finishing with ease. McCollum, Murphy III, and Brandon Boston Jr. were converting from range — each of them made three of their first three-pointers.

LaVine, Murray, and Sabonis started rolling alongside the other starters as the second started to wind down. They were trailing New Orleans 65-54 at halftime, with the Pelicans converting 53.5 percent (24/45) of their looks in the first 24 minutes.

Sabonis led the way for his side with 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists on 5/11. Meanwhile, Williamson had a game-high 19 points on 8/10 shooting. A once 20-point deficit felt within reach at the midway point.

DeRozan, who ended the first half with one point from the free-throw line on 0/1 FG, made his first field-goal attempt with 10:28 left in the third quarter. Sacramento’s offense could use his scoring production in the second half, but their defense was the biggest letdown.

And, sure enough, as their defense picked up, the other side followed suit. The starters gained their first lead (78-77) with 4:39 remaining in the third.

Ellis and Valanciunas replaced DeRozan and Sabonis, maintaining their positive momentum. The Golden 1 Center returned to life quickly as their team’s pace increased, leading to an offensive explosion.

They recorded 45 points in the third, a 23-point advantage in the frame. LaVine (10) and Sabonis (9) had 19 of their 45.

Heading into the fourth with a 99-87 advantage and all the momentum in their favor, it was just about maintaining their play from there.

But New Orleans’ former number-one overall pick wouldn’t let them go out easy. They regained their composure, getting into the paint to finish or spray out to open shooters.

Sacramento’s once 18-point advantage shrunk to three in a matter of minutes. The pace of play once again turned to favor the road team.

Keon Ellis executed the details, disrupted the opposition’s offensive flow, and hit shots as they came his way. Interim head coach Doug Christie elected to go with the defensive-minded guard for heavy minutes in the clutch.

It was in place of Monk until the two-minute mark when he came in for DeRozan. Christie elected to go with the reliable perimeter defender, understandably.

Sabonis fouled Williamson as the forward drove the lane, picking up his sixth and final foul with 42 seconds remaining in a four-point game.

Despite a quiet night, DeRozan’s clutch gene kicked in. He hit two consecutive shots to help Sacramento maintain their distance, eventually securing a 123-118 lead in ugly fashion.

Zach LaVine tallied 22 points, five assists, and four rebounds on 7/14 from the field, while Domantas Sabonis added 27 points and 16 rebounds on 10/18 shooting.

Zion Williamson (40 points), CJ McCollum (31 points), and Trey Murphy III (20 points) led New Orleans but got little aid from their teammates.

The Kings improved to .500 (26-26) with three games remaining until the All-Star break, including two more matchups with the Pelicans in New Orleans.