The New Orleans Pelicans proved too much for the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night, winning 133-123 in Sacramento. Zion Williamson had 23 points on 10-for-14 shooting, Trey Murphy III added 21 points, and Saddiq Bey shot 6 for 11 (3 for 5 from 3-point range) and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line for 20 points for the Pelicans, who bounced back after their recent road struggles.
New Orleans controlled the game from start to finish, building momentum with a powerful second-half push. The Pelicans took a 14-point lead in the third quarter thanks to a 15-0 scoring run, and their three-point shooting proved to be the difference - the Pelicans made 12 3-pointers compared to the Kings eight. Williamson added nine rebounds and five assists, showing off the complete two-way game that makes him such a threat in the Western Conference.
Precious Achiuwa had 29 points and 12 rebounds and Russell Westbrook had 19 points and 10 assists for the Kings, who fell to 14-50 overall and lost their ninth in a row at home. Sacramento's rebuilding season continues to be difficult, with the team sitting the worst in the league at 14-49, and 1.5 games ahead of the Indiana Pacers for first place in the draft lottery standings. This win showed the Pelicans what they're capable of when healthy and sharp - a theme playing out across the NBA as stars like Jayson Tatum work their way back from injury ahead of the playoff stretch.