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The Sacramento Kings reaffirmed themselves as visitors by reaping their second straight win and their third so far this regular season (3-2) by beating New Pelicans 113 to 109.
De’Aaron Fox led a productive group of players with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists; followed by Buddy Hield with 20 points off the bench; and Tyrese Haliburton and Harrison Barnes with 17 points, and 18 points and 12 rebounds respectively.
“It is never easy to win in this league, and especially on the road. I’m proud of this group for fighting and finding a way to get another win, “coach Luke Walton told ESPN.
Jonas Valanciunas stood out with 24 points and 13 rebounds for the Pelicans; Brandon Ingram chipped in 22 points and Devonte ‘Graham scored 16. Graham’s fourth triple put them 107-104 with 23 seconds remaining, but the Kings managed to close out the game with a perfect 6-of-6 from the personnel line.
The Pelicans, who play without Zion Williamson still recovering from foot surgery, have lost in five of their first six games.
«I have already spoken with them and I have said to them: Look, things are going to change. We’re going to get better, ”coach Willie Green said. “We are going to win one of these games. But I love our character. I love our fight. We’re just falling a little short right now, ”he explained.
The free kick, key
The Kings closed the game with 24 of 25 free throw attempts. Especially important were the last six, which allowed them to obtain a new victory after suffering in the final stage.
«Good teams have good percentages from the free kick. You go about your business and getting your free throws scored is something we’ve talked about a lot. It was really a big part of us that allowed us to hang on in the last period, ”Walton said.
Score spread
Although Walton expressed his admiration for De’Aaron Fox’s offensive disposition, he was satisfied with the wide-spread scoring they had against the Pelicans. Actually, that is the coach’s goal for the whole year, as he recognized.
«It is what we try to build. We do not want to depend solely on one person. We don’t have a megastar, but we do have some pretty good players on our team and that’s how we’re going to be at our best, ”he said.
Fox led with 23 points; Richaun Holmes had 21 points; Hield 20 from the bench; Harrison Barnes had 18 and Haliburton closed with 17 points.
(Cover photo: Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
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