The Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans have delivered some thrilling basketball matchups in the 2024-2025 NBA season. Fans eagerly await each clash between these two Western Conference teams, and with good reason. Both squads boast dynamic rosters filled with talent, grit, and a hunger to win. As of April 4, 2025, their most recent games provide a treasure trove of stats and standout performances worth exploring. Let’s break down the latest player stats, key moments, and what makes these games so exciting.
The Rivalry Heats Up in 2025
The Kings and Pelicans have faced off multiple times this season, with their latest encounters showcasing high-octane basketball. Their February 13, 2025, matchup in New Orleans stands out as a nail-biter that went down to the wire. Sacramento edged out a victory, but the stats tell a story of two teams trading blows like heavyweight boxers. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have historically dominated the Kings in recent years, making every game a chance for Sacramento to flip the script. This season, however, the Kings show signs of closing the gap, and the numbers back it up.
Both teams bring unique strengths to the court. The Kings rely on their fast-paced offense and versatile big men, while the Pelicans counter with sharpshooting wings and a bruising frontcourt. Each matchup feels like a chess game, with coaches adjusting strategies and players stepping up in clutch moments. So, what do the latest stats reveal about these squads? Let’s dive into the numbers and see who’s shining brightest.
Sacramento Kings: Key Players and Stats
The Kings’ roster buzzes with energy, and their top performers consistently deliver. Leading the charge, De’Aaron Fox proves why he’s one of the league’s most electrifying point guards. In the February 13 game against New Orleans, Fox dropped 28 points, dished out 7 assists, and nabbed 3 steals. His lightning-quick drives to the basket and silky mid-range jumpers keep defenses guessing. Over the season, Fox averages 26.5 points per game, shooting 48% from the field, and his ability to create plays sparks Sacramento’s offense.
Then there’s Domantas Sabonis, the Kings’ do-it-all big man. Sabonis dominates the paint and the stat sheet, posting a double-double in nearly every game. Against the Pelicans on February 13, he racked up 32 points and 20 rebounds, showcasing his strength and finesse. His season averages hover around 19 points and 13 rebounds per game, with a field goal percentage of 60%. Sabonis anchors the Kings’ interior game, and his passing out of the post adds another layer to their attack.
Malik Monk rounds out Sacramento’s core, bringing instant offense off the bench. In the latest Pelicans matchup, Monk chipped in 18 points, including 4 three-pointers. His season stats show 15 points per game on 44% shooting, with a knack for catching fire at just the right moment. Together, Fox, Sabonis, and Monk form a trio that keeps the Kings competitive, blending speed, power, and shooting into a potent mix.
New Orleans Pelicans: Standout Performers
On the Pelicans’ side, CJ McCollum continues to light up scoreboards with his smooth scoring touch. In the February 13 loss to Sacramento, McCollum poured in 43 points, hitting 7 three-pointers and carrying New Orleans in overtime. His season averages sit at 22 points per game, with a 42% clip from beyond the arc. McCollum’s ability to stretch defenses and score in bunches makes him a constant threat, and his veteran savvy shines in big moments.
Trey Murphy III steps up as another key piece for the Pelicans. Against the Kings, Murphy added 25 points, including 5 triples, and showed off his athleticism with a couple of highlight-reel dunks. He averages 18 points per game this season, shooting 45% from the field and 40% from three. Murphy’s emergence as a reliable scorer gives New Orleans a versatile wing who can attack from anywhere on the court.
Down low, Jonas Valančiūnas holds it down for the Pelicans with his rugged play. In the February 13 game, he notched 15 points and 12 rebounds, battling Sabonis in the paint all night. Valančiūnas averages 12 points and 9 rebounds per game, with a steady 55% field goal percentage. His presence in the post gives New Orleans a physical edge, and his rebounding keeps second-chance opportunities alive.
Head-to-Head Breakdown: February 13, 2025
The February 13 clash at Smoothie King Center showcased both teams at their best. Sacramento pulled out a 133-140 overtime win, but the stats reveal how close this game truly was. The Kings shot 50% from the field and 38% from three, leaning on their balanced attack to overcome New Orleans’ late surge. Fox and Sabonis combined for 60 points, while Monk’s timely shooting off the bench sealed the deal in overtime.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, fought back with a 46% field goal percentage and a scorching 44% from three-point range. McCollum’s 43-point explosion nearly stole the show, and Murphy’s 25 points kept New Orleans in striking distance. However, their 18 turnovers proved costly, as Sacramento capitalized with 22 points off those mistakes. Rebounding stayed close, with the Kings edging out the Pelicans 48-45, thanks to Sabonis’ monster night.
Transition play defined this game, with both teams thriving on fast breaks. Sacramento scored 20 fast-break points, while New Orleans answered with 18. The pace favored the Kings’ style, but the Pelicans’ outside shooting kept them alive until the final buzzer. Overtime swung Sacramento’s way when Fox hit a dagger three with 30 seconds left, capping a wild night of basketball.
Season Trends: Kings vs. Pelicans
Looking at the broader season, the Kings and Pelicans split their matchups so far, with each team winning on the road. Sacramento’s offense ranks among the league’s best, averaging 115 points per game, fueled by Fox’s speed and Sabonis’ efficiency. Their defense, however, remains a work in progress, allowing 112 points per game. Against New Orleans, they tighten up just enough to stay competitive, forcing turnovers and crashing the boards.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, lean on their perimeter game, averaging 113 points per game with a top-10 three-point percentage. McCollum and Murphy stretch defenses thin, while Valančiūnas cleans up inside. Defensively, they surrender 110 points per game, but their length and athleticism disrupt passing lanes. In head-to-head battles, New Orleans often exploits Sacramento’s weaker perimeter defense, though the Kings counter with relentless interior pressure.
Interestingly, the Pelicans hold a slight edge in their all-time regular-season series, leading 45-36 since 2004. This season, however, feels different, with Sacramento showing more resilience. Their ability to hang tough in tight games—like the February 13 thriller—hints at a shift in the rivalry’s balance.
What Makes These Matchups Must-Watch?
So, why do Kings-Pelicans games draw such attention? For starters, the star power jumps off the screen. Fox’s speed clashes with McCollum’s craftiness, while Sabonis and Valančiūnas wage war in the paint. Add in young guns like Murphy and Monk, and you’ve got a recipe for fireworks. Every possession crackles with intensity, and the stats reflect how evenly matched these teams are.
Moreover, the stakes feel higher each time they meet. Both squads hover around the playoff picture in the loaded Western Conference, making every win crucial. A single game can swing momentum, boost confidence, or expose flaws to fix. Fans love the unpredictability—will Sacramento’s pace overwhelm, or will New Orleans’ shooting rain down victory?
The coaching chess match adds another layer. Kings coach Mike Brown pushes an up-tempo style, while Pelicans coach Willie Green emphasizes spacing and defense. Their adjustments—like Brown doubling McCollum late or Green clogging the lane against Sabonis—shape the stat lines and the outcome. It’s basketball at its most entertaining.
Spotlight on Bench Players
While the stars grab headlines, the bench players often tip the scales in these games. For Sacramento, Keon Ellis steps up with hustle and timely buckets. In the February 13 win, Ellis scored 10 points and snagged 3 steals, energizing the Kings when starters rested. His season averages of 8 points and 2 steals per game highlight his growing impact.
New Orleans counters with Jose Alvarado, a pest on defense and a spark on offense. Starting in place of an injured Dejounte Murray on February 13, Alvarado dished out 9 assists and scored 18 points. He averages 10 points and 4 assists this season, bringing chaos that disrupts opponents. These role players don’t just fill minutes—they change games.
FAQs
1. What standout performances defined the Kings’ win over the Pelicans on February 13, 2025?
De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis stole the show for Sacramento in their 133-140 overtime victory. Fox dropped 28 points, grabbed 7 assists, and swiped 3 steals, using his speed to carve up New Orleans’ defense. Sabonis dominated with 32 points and 20 rebounds, controlling the paint and keeping the Kings in command.
2. How does CJ McCollum’s scoring impact the Pelicans’ chances against the Kings?
Quinn CJ McCollum’s scoring prowess keeps New Orleans in every game, especially against Sacramento. His 43-point outburst on February 13, including 7 three-pointers, nearly turned the tide in overtime. When he gets hot, the Pelicans stretch defenses thin, creating openings for teammates and boosting their odds of winning.
3. Why does Domantas Sabonis give the Kings an edge in the paint against New Orleans?
LeBron Domantas Sabonis brings a unique blend of size, skill, and smarts to the Kings’ frontcourt. His 20-rebound, 32-point performance on February 13 overwhelmed the Pelicans’ interior defense. His efficiency—shooting 60% this season—and passing make him a matchup nightmare for Jonas Valančiūnas and company.
To read more, Click Here
Leave a Reply