NBA
New Orleans Pelicans Power Past Kings 149-129 To Start 2-0
The New Orleans Pelicans came into their Friday night home opener against the Sacramento Kings oozing with confidence. After defeating the Houston Rockets 131-112 in their season opener, they picked off right where they left off. The Pelicans front court reigned supreme once again against the Kings, scoring at will in a 149-129 rout.
Anthony Davis and Nikola Mirotic led the charge, combining for 61 points and 19 rebounds. Collectively, the Pelicans beat the Kings up on the glass. They had a 52-39 advantage in the rebounding department. Not only that, they also thrived running the fast break. They had 26 fast break points on the evening.
The Pelicans Dominated Once Again In The Paint
When they faced the Rockets, they scored 76 points in the paint and played bully ball. The Kings also didn’t have an answer for the Pelicans strong front court, as they once again owned the paint. They scored 76 of their 149 points in the painted area. Davis scored 25 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and had six assists in 27 minutes played.
Mirotic was once again outstanding for the Pelicans. He led them in scoring with 30 points and was on fire from three point territory. He shot 5-9 in three pointers and was 14-21 overall.
Julius Randle, who spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, has been spectacular off the bench as well. Against the Rockets, he scored 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds. On Friday night, he scored 13 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in 24 minutes of action.
Unselfish Basketball Has Been Key To 2-0 Start
When the Pelicans defeated the Rockets, most didn’t think they could score 131 points in a game again this season. They exceeded that in Friday’s win over the Kings. They set a franchise record in most points scored in a game with 149.
As a result of their steller offensive output, they’ve scored at a high clip simply by playing unselfish basketball. The Pelicans had 35 assists on Friday night on 58.9% shooting. They also made sure to get just about everyone in on the action. They had eight players in double figures in the scoring department.
Up Next For The New Orleans Pelicans
Two dominate wins against the Rockets and Kings have the Pelicans riding high into their next matchup. They’ll have a few days off to rest until they face the Los Angeles Clippers Tuesday night at home. That will be the second game of their current four game home stand.
Photo Credit
scottclause.com via Flickr
