Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats – Full Breakdown and Highlights
In a season packed with high-octane action and playoff drama, few matchups have captured fan attention quite like the Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans match. The clash brought together two teams eager to prove their mettle and fight for playoff survival. In this comprehensive breakdown of Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats, we’ll explore standout performances, key stats, and what this game revealed about each team’s potential.
The Stakes: A Do-or-Die NBA Play-In Thriller
The NBA Play-In Tournament has become a pressure cooker for franchises trying to secure a spot in the postseason. The Sacramento Kings, led by All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox and triple-double machine Domantas Sabonis, were pitted against the well-balanced New Orleans Pelicans — a team known for its gritty defense and offensive versatility with players like Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Jonas Valančiūnas.
This wasn’t just a regular-season encounter — it was an elimination game that would decide playoff fates. The Pelicans had home-court advantage, but the Kings were coming off an emotional win against the Golden State Warriors.
Final Score and Match Summary
- New Orleans Pelicans: 105
- Sacramento Kings: 98
The Pelicans edged out the Kings in a tightly contested affair. New Orleans’ defensive intensity and rebounding presence tipped the scales, particularly in the fourth quarter, when Sacramento’s offense faltered under pressure.
Team Performance Comparison
Before diving into individual player stats, here’s how the teams compared in key metrics:
| Category | Pelicans | Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 48.1% | 44.7% |
| 3-Point FG % | 33.3% | 28.6% |
| Free Throw % | 86.4% | 72.2% |
| Total Rebounds | 44 | 42 |
| Assists | 22 | 20 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 14 |
| Fast Break Points | 17 | 11 |
| Points in the Paint | 52 | 38 |
Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats – Kings Breakdown
De’Aaron Fox – The Lone Warrior
- Points: 35
- Rebounds: 3
- Assists: 5
- Field Goals: 13/26
- 3PT: 3/8
De’Aaron Fox was a force of nature in the backcourt. His explosive drives and mid-range shooting kept Sacramento in the game through three quarters. However, as the Pelicans adjusted defensively, Fox’s efficiency slightly dropped in the final five minutes.
Domantas Sabonis – Double-Double Anchor
- Points: 16
- Rebounds: 13
- Assists: 4
- Field Goals: 6/12
Sabonis played his usual all-around game, controlling the boards and initiating offense from the high post. However, Jonas Valančiūnas’ physicality limited his post impact, forcing him to take more jump shots than Sabonis typically does.
Malik Monk – Inconsistent Spark
- Points: 14
- Rebounds: 2
- Assists: 3
- 3PT: 2/7
Malik Monk showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. His perimeter shooting never found its rhythm, and several rushed possessions late in the game disrupted the Kings’ offensive flow.
Keegan Murray – Quiet Night
- Points: 10
- Rebounds: 5
- Steals: 1
- Field Goals: 4/10
Murray’s defensive rotations were solid, but he failed to stretch the floor effectively offensively. His corner threes — usually a strength — were off the mark.
Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats – Pelicans Breakdown
Brandon Ingram – Smooth Scorer
- Points: 24
- Rebounds: 6
- Assists: 4
- Field Goals: 9/18
- 3PT: 2/4
Ingram was the Pelicans’ offensive backbone. His mid-range fadeaways and slashing drives forced constant double teams. He played a composed game, controlling tempo and making key baskets in the clutch.
CJ McCollum – Veteran Leadership
- Points: 20
- Rebounds: 5
- Assists: 6
- 3PT: 3/7
McCollum’s perimeter shooting and ball-handling under pressure were instrumental—his ability to split double teams and find shooters created spacing that allowed New Orleans to operate smoothly.
Jonas Valančiūnas – The Paint Protector
- Points: 15
- Rebounds: 12
- Assists: 2
- Blocks: 2
- Field Goals: 6/9
Valančiūnas was a beast inside. He dominated the paint on both ends, out-rebounding Sabonis and providing a physical presence that Sacramento failed to match.
Trey Murphy III – X-Factor
- Points: 12
- Rebounds: 4
- Steals: 2
- 3PT: 2/6
Murphy’s length and quick release made him a key bench contributor. He hit timely threes and disrupted passing lanes defensively, giving the Pelicans crucial momentum.
Advanced Metrics Snapshot
Here’s a glance at some deeper analytical numbers from the Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats:
| Player | Usage Rate | +/- Rating | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| De’Aaron Fox | 31.5% | -7 | 37 |
| Brandon Ingram | 27.8% | +8 | 35 |
| CJ McCollum | 25.0% | +6 | 36 |
| Sabonis | 24.3% | -4 | 38 |
| Valančiūnas | 19.1% | +11 | 30 |
Tactical Analysis and Game Flow
The game commenced with both teams exchanging baskets. Sacramento leaned heavily on Fox’s isolation plays, while the Pelicans used more pick-and-roll action and ball movement. In the second quarter, the Pelicans’ bench — led by Naji Marshall and Larry Nance Jr. — gave them a much-needed boost, outscoring the Kings’ reserves 18-9.
In the second half, the Pelicans tightened their defensive effort. Valančiūnas denied Sabonis clean entry passes, and New Orleans forced Fox into late-clock situations. The Kings’ offense stagnated, and the Pelicans led 9-0. The contest was effectively decided by the run in the fourth quarter.
What This Game Means for Both Teams
Sacramento Kings
The loss was a heartbreaker. Despite Fox’s elite performance, the Kings lacked balance and bench scoring. The front office will need to consider adding defensive depth and a consistent third scorer to complement Fox and Sabonis.
New Orleans Pelicans
This win propelled the Pelicans into the playoffs with confidence. Their balanced offense, depth, and improved defense make them a dangerous dark horse in the Western Conference bracket.
Conclusion: Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats Show a Tale of Two Philosophies
The Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats reveal a clash of styles — the Kings relying on top-heavy star output. At the same time, the Pelicans leveraged balanced contributions across the board. While Sacramento’s stars showed up, the lack of bench production and defensive lapses cost them. On the other hand, the Pelicans showcased a mature, team-first approach, utilizing defense and ball sharing to secure the win.
As the playoffs unfold, these player stats serve not just as a summary, but as a roadmap of what each franchise must fine-tune. One team goes home, the other moves forward. Such is the ruthless poetry of postseason basketball.
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