The Sacramento Kings got their first victory in the Orlando bubble on Thursday (140-125). And at the same time they put the New Orleans Pelicans in difficulty since the two teams now have the same record: 29 wins and 39 losses (just like Phoenix), which leaves them little hope of taking the 8th or 9th of the Western Conference (which opens the doors to a play-off).
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Bogdanovic in great shape
The Pelicans were unable to stop their opponents in defense. Sacramento was able to score at will, registering their biggest score of the season. One player set the tone: Bogdan Bogdanovic. Author of an incredible 1 in 15 in the previous match against Dallas, the Serbian was this time formidable: 35 points in 37 minutes with a 6 of 9 three points (not to mention 4 assists and 3 rebounds).
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“We knew he would be ready. He struggled in the previous game. But the shot he put against Dallas had been very important and from there he was able to trigger a good dynamic. Today it was on fire ”, appreciated De’Aaron Fox who also proved to his advantage with 30 points, 10 assists and 3 steals.
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With still limited playing time (21 minutes), Zion Williamson brought his usual offensive production with 24 points (10 of 12 shooting). But even with him on the ground, New Orleans could not find the right formula against the Kings as evidenced by a plus / minus of -12 for the former star of Duke.
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The only reason for hope for the Louisiana team, the schedule will be less demanding for the last four matches (with Washington, Orlando, San Antonio and again Sacramento) than in the first four (1 victory, 3 losses). “Nothing will be easy for us here, we have to regroup and know how to make the necessary corrections”, breathed Alvin Gentry, the coach of the Pelicans, a bit fatalistic after the defensive performance of his team.
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