The New Orleans Pelicans showed off their depth Thursday night.
Seven different players scored in double figures in the Pelicans’ 133-123 victory over the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
“You need team wins like this to get it done on the road,” said Pelicans’ interim head coach James Borrego. “It’s been a long road trip and we’ve got one more (Friday). We’re going to need all hands on deck Friday night as well.”
The Pelicans (20-44) wrap up this six-game road trip Friday against the Phoenix Suns (35-27). The Pelicans are 3-2 so far on the trip, getting their third win with a great all-around effort.
Zion Williamson scored 23 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out five assists. Trey Murphy scored 21 points and had seven rebounds and four assists. Saddiq Bey scored 20 points.
But some of the most valuable minutes came from the bench. The quartet of Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, Karlo Matkovic and Bryce McGowens jumpstarted things.
“The bench came in and gave us big minutes,” Williamson said. “Jeremiah Fears is really figuring the game out.”
Fears had 13 points, six rebounds and six assists. Queen finished with 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Matkovic had nine points and nine rebounds. And McGowens had 14 points and six boards.
“I thought our starters were a little slow there to get going,” Borrego said. “That second unit got us going and brought great energy. All four of them came out and played with great energy and focus and got us back into the game and built a lead. I thought we closed the second quarter well and the starters responded in the second half.”
The Pelicans are 2-0 this season against the Kings (14-50), who have the NBA’s worst record. In the previous meeting at Smoothie King Center, the Pelicans beat the Kings 120-94. That win was the Pelicans’ most lopsided victory of the season and that was also the fewest points the Pels have allowed this season. Things were closer this time around, especially through the first 2 ½ quarter. But the Pelicans, trailing 81-80, went on a 15-0 late in the third quarter to get some separation. The run was sparked by back-to-back 3-pointers by Bey followed by another 3-pointer from Murphy.
“A full team effort,” Borrego said. “All 10 guys that played did well.”