Pelicans Can't Overcome Zone Against Kings

Chrissy Smith • March 8, 2023

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While the New Orleans Pelicans gave us a promising performance after the first half, the third quarter turned into shambles as the Pels lost 123-108 on Monday in Sacramento.


The Pels were tied at halftime but were then outscored 38-20 in the third quarter, and were never able to recover as their West Coast road trip thankfully comes to an end. It was a tale of two halves for the Pelicans, but what seemed to be the deciding factor was the zone defense that Sacramento put in place in the second half. Despite the Pelicans knocking down some big three-pointers in the first two quarters, the zone stifled the New Orleans offense.


Brandon Ingram scored 24 points for the Pelicans (31-34), but it wasn't enough as the Pelicans have lost six of their last seven games. New Orleans is now in 12th place in the Western Conference standings.


Jonas Valanciunas finished with 19 points on 9-of-11 shooting.


Domantas Sabonis had his eighth triple-double of the season for the Kings.


New Orleans plays Wednesday, March 8 against the Dallas Mavericks in what is the start of a four-game home stand.


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Pelicans @ Nuggets Takeaways

By Chrissy Smith • October 30, 2025
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Celtics @ Pelicans Takeaways

By Chrissy Smith • October 28, 2025
Team Stats (Celtics at Pelicans) Final Score: 122-90 Rebounds: 54-35 Assists: 25-17 Steals: 5-7 Blocks: 7-0 Turnovers: 11-13 Stat Leaders Scoring Leaders: Anfernee Simons, 25; Jordan Poole, 22 Rebound Leaders: Neemias Queta, 11; Yves Miss, 7 Assist Leaders: Payton Prichard, 8; Trey Murphy, III, 5 My Player of the Game: Jordan Poole Chrissy's Key Takeaways * The first two losses of the season were tough but at least the team looked good. In this game, no one looked fired up to compete except Jordan Poole and Jose Alvarado. * Zion did not play because he's been spending all offseason getting in shape just so he could rest after two games. Makes no sense to me. * Trey Murphy and Herb Jones need to find their spark and stride. These guys have been putting in a ton of work in the offseason but it isn't showing right now. * Willie Green has got to be on a short leash because this 0-3 start feels like the team is just picking up where they left off except this time they're healthy and have all the momentum in the world. * The next three games for the Pelicans will be on the road against Denver, Clippers, and Thunder . Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.
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