The New Orleans Pelicans outlasted the Sacramento Kings 132-120 for their first victory of the season on Thursday night.
Jeremiah Fears led the Pelicans with 22 points, a career-high 13 assists, and eight rebounds.
Zion Williamson contributed 22 points on 10 of 12 from the floor, with all of those made shots coming in the paint. Trey Murphy added 18.
New Orleans bench outscored the Kings’ reserves 41-8 in their first win of the year under new coach Jamahl Mosley.
On the other hand, Darius Acuff Jr. led Sacramento with 34 points and 12 assists, the most of the rookie’s young career. Domantas Sabonis added 15 rebounds and seven assists.
Sabonis had seven turnovers that led to a struggle, with a total of 25 turnovers for the Kings.
Meanwhile, Fears’ big night in the backcourt was all the more important for New Orleans, who were missing Jordan Poole (ankle and Dejounte Murray.
The Pelicans never trailed after Murphy’s free throws made it 55-54 with 1:45 left in the first half.
New Orleans took a 63-61 lead into halftime, but blew the game open with a 16-2 run in the middle of the third quarter that was led by six points from Williamson and five from Murphy in that stretch.
Sacramento is still winless, leading to 0-5 record.
Both teams will play on Saturday night: the Kings visit Memphis, while the Pelicans host the Hawks.
