The Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans have become one of the most competitive matchups in the Western Conference. Known for their explosive offenses and rising superstars, each time these two teams meet, fans are guaranteed a night full of drama, highlight-reel plays, and statistical brilliance. In this article, we will explore all the important stats, top players, and what their performances mean moving forward.
Recent Match Overview
On February 13, 2025, the Kings and Pelicans clashed in what turned out to be a high-octane overtime thriller. The Pelicans came out victorious with a 140-133 win, snapping their 10-game losing streak in dramatic fashion. The game showcased elite-level basketball, with standout performances from both ends.
CJ McCollum led the charge for New Orleans with a season-high 43 points, hitting the dagger three-pointer in overtime that sealed the win. On the Kings’ side, Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis put up monster numbers, but it wasn’t enough to withstand the late-game push from the Pelicans.
Sacramento Kings Match Player Stats
Domantas Sabonis, the Kings’ consistent powerhouse, delivered an incredible stat line with 22 points and 28 rebounds, once again proving his dominance in the paint. The 6’11” forward-center from Portland, Oregon, has been instrumental in Sacramento’s offensive and rebounding schemes all season. With an average of 13.9 RPG in 2024-25, Sabonis remains one of the most efficient big men in the league.
Zach LaVine, recently traded to the Kings, had 32 points and 10 assists. His ability to create off the dribble and sink crucial mid-range shots kept Sacramento in the game. At 6’6” and 200 pounds, LaVine’s athleticism combined with playoff experience gives the Kings a strong backcourt presence.
Malik Monk added 24 points and 9 assists, while DeMar DeRozan chipped in 20 points. DeRozan, though quieter than usual, continues to play a veteran leadership role within the squad. The Kings’ bench also gave solid support, but lacked the defensive stops needed in the closing minutes.
New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats
CJ McCollum, without question, was the standout. His 43-point performance wasn’t just about volume scoring – it was about clutch moments. He sank tough contested threes and made plays under pressure. The 6’3” guard from Canton, Ohio, now 33 years old, is averaging 21.1 PPG this season and remains the veteran anchor for the Pelicans.
Trey Murphy III was just shy of a triple-double with 18 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. The 6–9” wing continues to show incredible improvement, combining length with shooting ability. His impact has been vital, especially with Brandon Ingram out.
Jonas Valančiūnas also delivered a solid double-double performance, grabbing critical rebounds and giving the Pelicans second-chance opportunities. While not flashy, his screen-setting and post presence continue to be an underrated asset.
The Pelicans’ depth was also on display, with multiple role players contributing on both ends of the floor. Their defense in overtime, led by Herb Jones, was particularly effective in slowing down the Kings’ late-game push.
Player vs Player Spotlight Matchups
One of the biggest head-to-heads was between Domantas Sabonis and Jonas Valančiūnas. Though Sabonis clearly won the statistical battle, Valančiūnas held his ground physically and provided key defensive presence. Their duel under the rim was gritty, intense, and central to both team strategies.
In the backcourt, CJ McCollum vs De’Aaron Fox (who missed this game due to injury) would have been a marquee matchup. Instead, McCollum’s battle was largely against LaVine and Monk. McCollum outperformed both, especially in crunch time.
Murphy III vs Murray offered an intriguing contrast in styles, with Murphy using his height and vision effectively, while Murray leaned on quickness and slashing.
Historical Stats – Last 5 Meetings Recap
Let’s take a look at the last five encounters between the Kings and Pelicans:
- Feb 13, 2025: Pelicans 140, Kings 133 (OT)
- Feb 12, 2025: Kings 119, Pelicans 111
- Feb 8, 2025: Kings 123, Pelicans 118
- Dec 12, 2024: Kings 111, Pelicans 109
- Apr 19, 2024: Pelicans 105, Kings 98
Over these five games, the Kings won three, while the Pelicans took two. Notably, all games were high-scoring affairs, with most teams breaking the 110-point mark. This points to a consistent offensive tempo whenever these franchises clash.
Domantas Sabonis averaged 20+ points and 15+ rebounds in these games, while McCollum has also been stellar with multiple 30+ point outings. The margins of victory were often narrow, highlighting how evenly matched these squads are.
Fantasy & Betting Insights
From a fantasy basketball perspective, both teams offer rich stat lines. Sabonis is a fantasy goldmine with his double-doubles, while McCollum is highly valuable in leagues scoring for efficiency and clutch performances. Trey Murphy III has also emerged as a strong fantasy sleeper thanks to his multi-category contributions.
In betting circles, the over is frequently hit when these two teams play. Given the high scoring nature of their clashes, smart bettors have learned to anticipate totals above 230 points. Additionally, player props like Sabonis’ rebounds and McCollum’s points are often wise picks.
Why These Player Stats Matter
Why should you care about these detailed player stats? Because they give deeper context than a box score. Sabonis’ rebounding isn’t just numbers – it highlights the Kings’ dependency on second-chance points. McCollum’s high scoring emphasizes the Pelicans’ lack of offensive depth when key players are out.
Stats like Murphy’s assists show the evolution of player roles. A young wing acting as a playmaker signals a strategic shift for New Orleans. Meanwhile, LaVine’s instant offensive impact suggests he could become a long-term cornerstone for Sacramento.
These stats also help project trends – who’s improving, who’s slowing down, and who might be the X-factor in future games.
Conclusion
The Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans rivalry continues to be one of the most exciting in recent NBA seasons. With young talent, seasoned veterans, and high-scoring battles, each matchup is a goldmine for fans, analysts, and fantasy players alike.
From CJ McCollum’s heroics to Domantas Sabonis’ rebounding dominance, the numbers tell a deeper story about the heart and hustle of these two teams. While stats aren’t the whole picture, they give us insight into execution, effort, and evolving strategies.
As the season continues, all eyes will be on their next clash. Will the Kings bounce back? Can the Pelicans keep the momentum alive? Either way, expect fireworks.
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FAQs
Who scored the most points in the last Kings vs Pelicans game?
CJ McCollum with 43 points.
What was Domantas Sabonis’ stat line in the last game?
He had 22 points and 28 rebounds.
How often do the Kings beat the Pelicans?
In the last five games, the Kings won three and the Pelicans won two.
Who was the top assist leader in the last matchup?
Trey Murphy III with 11 assists.
Which team has the higher scoring average in recent matchups?
The Kings, averaging over 121 points per game.
