After Ending Losing Streak, Pelicans Look To Continue Recent Dominance Of Visiting Kings
"OK, we won a game yesterday. If we win today, it's called 'two in a row.' And if we win again tomorrow, it's called a 'winning streak.' It has happened before." - Lou Brown, Major League
After three weeks without a victory, the New Orleans Pelicans finally put an end to one of the longest dry spells in franchise history with their stirring, come-from-behind win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.
Less than 24 hours after the sell-out crowd spilled into the streets of the city filled with both exhilaration and relief, the Smoothie King Center will be packed once again as the Pelicans begin their attempt to move back up in the Western Conference standings after their too-long descent that took them from first to tenth so quickly.
Feb 4, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) reacts to making a three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Enter the Sacramento Kings.
Though the Pelicans have won two straight in the series, the Kings currently sit third in the West, led by the tandem of Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox.
This will be the first meeting between the two this season.
Sacramento arrives in the Crescent City coming off of a loss to the Indiana Pacers. The Kings are on the back end of their longest road trip of the season and playing the front end of a back-to-back that continues tomorrow night in Houston.
The Kings are second only to the Denver Nuggets in offensive efficiency, so they'll present a much greater challenge than the Lakers. While the Pelicans were able to get enough stops down the stretch versus Los Angeles they still gave up 126 points, 106 in the first three quarters.
Mike Brown's squad averages 119 per game.
Sacramento is both healthy and deep, with six players scoring double figures. They shoot the ball well from the field, from three-point range, and at the free throw line.
One quarter of defense won't suffice tonight.
If the defense has to find its footing, the Pelicans' offense needs to come out firing once again.
The 131 points New Orleans scored against L.A. were the team's second-most of the season.
It may seem obvious, but when the Pelicans score a lot of points, they usually win.
They've scored 120 points or more 18 times this season and are 14-4 in those games; 12-1 in regulation.
New Orleans found balance with five players scoring 18 points or more, and with Brandon Ingram having his best game since returning from injury with a season-high 35 points.
They'll need more of the same balance and efficiency, but still need to show improvement at converting on their three-point attempts and keeping the Kings from getting out into transition.
Though the Lakers have the headliners, yesterday's game was really the undercard, the setup for today's heavyweight bout.
Getting a win against the below .500 Lakers is one thing; stringing together some wins and fighting for home court advantage is another.
The journey back continues tonight.
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