Domantas Sabonis Shines as Kings Outlast Pelicans in Tight Contest

Domantas Sabonis delivered one of his most dominant performances of the season, notching 32 points and 20 rebounds to lift the Sacramento Kings to a thrilling 111-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night.

With the win, the Kings extended their streak to three games and solidified their position as one of the league’s most consistent teams in recent weeks.

DeMar DeRozan was instrumental as well, scoring 29 points in a balanced Kings attack. De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray added 18 points each, providing timely contributions on both ends of the floor. Sacramento’s ability to stay composed in critical moments defined the game, particularly against a determined Pelicans squad led by CJ McCollum.

CJ McCollum’s Heroics Fall Short

McCollum was sensational for New Orleans, erupting for a season-high 36 points, including six three-pointers. His late-game theatrics nearly stole the show, highlighted by a three-point play on a floater through contact that cut Sacramento’s lead to 111-109 with just over a minute left. However, the Pelicans were unable to capitalize on two defensive stops in the final moments, with Sabonis grabbing a crucial rebound to seal the result.

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Trey Murphy III’s Early Burst Fizzles

Trey Murphy III provided an early spark for the Pelicans, scoring 16 of his 21 points in the first quarter. Unfortunately for New Orleans, he cooled off significantly in the latter stages, adding just five points the rest of the way. His quiet finish mirrored the Pelicans’ struggles to maintain offensive rhythm throughout the game.

Takeaways From the Game

Kings: Sacramento’s offense, which had been firing on all cylinders in recent wins, managed to grind out a victory despite scoring just 111 points—tying their season-low in a win. The Kings made up for their offensive dip by dominating the glass and converting second-chance opportunities. Their 18 offensive rebounds translated into 21 points, a critical factor in a tightly contested game.

Pelicans: New Orleans’ inability to stay disciplined cost them once again. The Pelicans committed 22 fouls, three more than Sacramento, and turned the ball over 17 times. Yves Missi was limited by foul trouble, which allowed Sabonis to control the paint on both ends of the court. It’s a troubling trend for the Pelicans, who have now dropped 21 of their last 24 games.

Key Moments That Defined the Night

Keegan Murray delivered in the clutch, knocking down a deep three-pointer and following it with a driving baseline floater to push Sacramento’s lead to 111-106 with 1:41 remaining. Those two buckets provided just enough cushion for the Kings to weather McCollum’s late-game heroics.

The Kings’ defensive effort in the closing seconds was equally pivotal. Malik Monk’s timely defensive play against Dejounte Murray, officially recorded as a block, prevented the Pelicans from tying or taking the lead. Sabonis’ subsequent rebound put the finishing touch on Sacramento’s gritty win.

By the Numbers

Sacramento’s dominance on the boards stood out, particularly on the offensive glass. The Kings out-rebounded the Pelicans 18-8 in offensive boards, turning those into 21 second-chance points. They also maintained their composure at the free-throw line, outscoring New Orleans 27-17 from the stripe, providing a critical edge in a close game.

What’s Next?

Sacramento looks to keep their momentum rolling when they host the Denver Nuggets on Monday night in what promises to be another high-stakes matchup. Meanwhile, the Pelicans travel to Indiana for a Sunday afternoon game, hoping to halt their slide and find some stability.

This game highlighted the Kings’ growing ability to win in multiple ways, whether through high-octane offense or grinding out close contests. For New Orleans, the search for answers continues as they struggle to regain their footing amidst a difficult stretch of the season.