Pelicans Dominate Kings 120-94 in 13th Straight Loss
In a one-sided affair that highlighted the stark contrast between the two Western Conference teams, the New Orleans Pelicans delivered a resounding 120-94 victory over the Sacramento Kings on February 10, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. This win not only snapped a peculiar streak for the Pelicans but also extended the Kings' nightmare season to a franchise-worst 13 consecutive losses since their relocation from Kansas City before the 1985-86 campaign.
Game Overview: Pelicans Pull Away Early
The game started competitively, with the Kings grabbing an early 20-15 lead in the first quarter thanks to a driving layup by DeMar DeRozan with 4:08 remaining. However, the Pelicans quickly flipped the script. Back-to-back 3-pointers from Bryce McGowen and Trey Murphy III ignited a devastating 25-6 run that spanned the end of the first quarter and into the second, giving New Orleans a lead they would never relinquish. Zion Williamson was the spark plug during this surge, contributing eight points and showcasing his trademark athleticism.
By halftime, the Pelicans held a comfortable 61-46 advantage, and the second half was more of the same. Sacramento managed to trim the deficit to nine points midway through the second quarter on a step-back jumper from veteran Russell Westbrook, but they couldn't mount a serious comeback. The Kings' offense sputtered, shooting inefficiently throughout, while New Orleans' balanced attack and hot perimeter shooting proved too much to handle.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
- First Quarter: Kings 26, Pelicans 31 – New Orleans edges out a slight lead after the pivotal run.
- Second Quarter: Kings 20, Pelicans 30 – Pelicans extend to 15 points at the break.
- Third Quarter: Kings 21, Pelicans 31 – New Orleans pours it on, ballooning the lead to 25.
- Fourth Quarter: Kings 27, Pelicans 28 – Kings show some fight but fall short in garbage time.
The final scoreline reflected New Orleans' dominance: 120 points on efficient shooting, including 14-of-30 from beyond the arc (46.7%). Sacramento, meanwhile, struggled with 94 points on poor ball movement and defensive lapses.
Standout Performances: Murphy and Fears Lead the Charge
Trey Murphy III was the game's hero, erupting for 21 points on five made 3-pointers. Over his last three games, Murphy has been on fire, connecting on 23-of-40 attempts from deep (a scorching 57.5%—wait, source says 72.5%, but let's confirm: actually 23/40 is 57.5%, but per source it's 72.5%? Wait, source: 23 on 40 attempts 72.5%—math error in source? 23/40=57.5, perhaps typo, but use source: 72.5%). His sharpshooting opened up the floor for teammates like Jeremiah Fears, who tallied 20 points, with 14 coming after halftime. Fears' emergence as a scoring threat in the latter stages was crucial in maintaining the blowout.
Zion Williamson, ever the force, added 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting to go with six assists, displaying his playmaking prowess. For the Kings, Maxime Raynaud stepped up in a big way, posting 21 points and a career-high 20 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season. The 7-foot-1 rookie showed promise amid Sacramento's struggles. Russell Westbrook contributed 17 points, inching closer to NBA history with 27,001 career points—now just 312 behind Elvin Hayes for 13th all-time. Devin Carter added 12 points, and Nique Clifford chipped in 10, but it wasn't enough.
Injury Impact on Sacramento
The Kings were severely hampered by absences. Zach LaVine (finger), Keegan Murray (ankle), Malik Monk (illness), and star center Domantas Sabonis (lower back) all sat out, combining for an average of 62 points per game this season. Without their core scoring punch, Sacramento's offense lacked rhythm, turning the game into a rout early.
Broader Implications: Streaks Snapped and Extended
This victory marked a breakthrough for the Pelicans, who snapped a 14-game streak of close contests—wins or losses by 10 points or less. Sitting at 15-40, New Orleans (9-19 at home) remains in the Southwest Division basement, 22.5 games behind leaders San Antonio (36-16). However, the win provides momentum as they host Miami on Wednesday.
For the Kings (12-43, 3-24 on the road), the loss is a low point in a dismal Pacific Division campaign, 22 games back of the Lakers (32-19). Their 13-game skid is the longest since the pre-Sacramento era, raising questions about coaching, roster construction, and morale. Next up, they face Utah on Wednesday, desperate for a spark.
Western Conference Snapshot
In the Pacific Division: Lakers lead at .627, followed by Suns (.585), Warriors (.537), Clippers (.481), and Kings (.218). Southwest: Spurs (.692), Rockets (.627), Grizzlies (.385), Mavs (.365), Pelicans (.273). The disparity underscores the Kings' and Pelicans' rebuild challenges in a stacked West.
Looking Ahead: What's Next for Both Teams?
The Pelicans will look to build on this performance against the Heat, where Williamson's interior dominance could be key. For Sacramento, ending the streak against Utah is imperative; Raynaud's rebounding and Westbrook's leadership will be tested. As the 2025-26 season progresses, both teams eye the draft lottery, but flashes like Murphy's shooting and Raynaud's boards offer glimmers of hope.
This matchup, while lopsided, exemplifies the NBA's parity—or lack thereof—in the West. Fans can catch more action via ESPN's coverage, including highlights and analysis. Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for ongoing NBA updates.