A Winless Start Deepens
The Sacramento Kings remain without their first victory of the 2026-27 NBA season after falling to the New Orleans Pelicans, 132-120, on Thursday at the Smoothie King Center. The loss extends Sacramento’s winless record to 0-5, while the Pelicans finally secure their first triumph, improving to 1-4.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The game began as a tightly contested affair. Sacramento held narrow leads early, with Darius Acuff Jr. providing significant offensive spark for the Kings. The first quarter ended with the teams tied at 30-24 in favor of New Orleans after a late surge, though the score progression showed Sacramento leading 15-15 before Pelicans runs pulled them ahead.
By halftime, the Pelicans had seized control, winning the second quarter 39-31 to take a 63-61 lead into the break.
New Orleans’ offense exploded in the third quarter. The Pelicans outscored Sacramento 39-27 in the period, building a commanding advantage. Jeremiah Fears was instrumental in this stretch, helping New Orleans extend their lead significantly. The Kings struggled to contain the Pelicans' interior scoring and playmaking during this critical phase.
The fourth quarter saw Sacramento attempt a comeback, but New Orleans maintained its defensive intensity. The final score of 132-120 reflected New Orleans' ability to close out the game effectively. The attendance at the Smoothie King Center was 15,442.