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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