The New Orleans Pelicans‘ late-game woes continued Thursday night as they fell to the Sacramento Kings, 111-109, marking their third consecutive loss. Despite a valiant 36-point performance from CJ McCollum, highlighted by a season-high six three-pointers, the Pelicans couldn’t capitalize on crucial opportunities down the stretch.
McCollum’s dazzling three-point play with 1:20 left gave New Orleans hope, cutting the deficit to two. However, a critical turnover by Dejounte Murray in the closing seconds, compounded by Domantas Sabonis‘s dominance, sealed the Pelicans’ fate. Sabonis delivered a season-high 32 points and matched his best with 20 rebounds, spearheading Sacramento’s effort.
New Orleans showed promise early, with Trey Murphy III scoring 16 of his 21 points in the first quarter, but the team struggled to maintain consistency. Defensive lapses allowed De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray to chip in 18 points each for Sacramento, while Sabonis exploited foul trouble for Pelicans center Yves Missi.
Despite 11 rebounds from Missi, Sabonis’s relentless play on both ends proved too much for New Orleans to overcome. Sacramento’s 18 offensive rebounds and 21 second-chance points underscored the Pelicans’ inability to control the glass, a recurring issue in recent games. New Orleans also faltered in transition, committing 17 turnovers that contributed to the Kings’ decisive edge.
The loss leaves the Pelicans searching for answers after dropping 21 of their last 24 games, a staggering slump that has raised concerns about their postseason aspirations. Head coach Willie Green emphasized the need for more disciplined defense and cleaner execution under pressure.
“We had our chances tonight, but we have to make the most of those moments,” Green said. As the Pelicans prepare to face the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, they must address their late-game struggles and improve their interior defense to halt the downward spiral. With their playoff hopes slipping, every game now feels like a must-win for New Orleans.
