DeMarcus Cousins had the last laugh as the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Sacramento Kings 114-106. This is Boogie’s first game in Sacramento since the infamous trade that took place last season. The Kings (1-3) were coming off a 117-115 loss to the Phoenix Suns while the injury-stricken Pelicans (1-3) lost their last game to Portland 103-93. The first unit started the game well making 7 of their first 9 shots from the floor.
Skal Labissiere and rookie Justin Jackson looked particularly impressive, shooting 6-of-7 from the field. They both combined for 14 points as the Kings ended the quarter with a 40-27 lead. The Kings started to slack defensively throughout the 2nd quarter, but still managed to extend their lead to 14 points, ending the half up 70-54.
Most of the attention was focused on Cousins and with Anthony Davis out with an injury, Cousins reminded the Kings just how much of a weapon he is on offense, recording a double-double with 41 points and 20 rebounds in the game. The Kings had a miserable 3rd quarter, enduring a four-minute period without a basket as New Orleans outscored them 32-17 to take the lead 88-87.
The Kings shooting percentage declined further entering the fourth quarter, finishing with 46.9 percent shooting at the end of the night. The surprise of the game came from Pelicans point guard Jameer Nelson who had 18 points off of 7-of-13 shooting along with 3 rebounds and 5 assists.
Sacramento took the lead with just over two minutes left in the fourth through two baskets from Willie Cauley-Stein before Cousins hit a crucial three-pointer to put New Orleans back on top. The Pelicans kept the lead for the rest of the game, ending the game on a 9-0 run and winning 114-106.
De’Aaron Fox was the Kings’ top scorer with 14 points while Zach Randolph led the team with 9 rebounds. The 2-3 Pelicans next game will be on Saturday when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Kings take on the Wizards on Sunday.
