Sacramento Kings Secure Dramatic Victory Over New Orleans Pelicans

In a thrilling matchup on April 3, 2026, the Sacramento Kings defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 117-113 at the Golden 1 Center, overcoming a significant 17-point deficit in the first half. The Kings' undrafted rookie Dylan Cardwell played a pivotal role in the victory, blocking two crucial shots in the final seconds, including a layup attempt by Zion Williamson. This win marked the Kings' second consecutive victory, improving their record to 21-57, while the Pelicans fell to 25-53, extending their losing streak to seven games.

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Maxime Raynaud led the Kings with an impressive performance, scoring 28 points and contributing eight rebounds and four assists. Nique Clifford added 23 points and seven assists, while Daeqwon Plowden came off the bench to score 17 points. For the Pelicans, Jeremiah Fears matched Raynaud's scoring output with 28 points, alongside eight rebounds and six assists. Saddiq Bey also made a significant contribution with 20 points.

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The game began with the Pelicans establishing an early lead, going up by 11 points in the first quarter and extending it to 17 in the second. Despite trailing 66-55 at halftime, the Kings mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap in the third quarter. They tied the game in the fourth quarter after a 7-0 run, ultimately taking the lead with free throws from Plowden. In the closing moments, Cardwell's defensive prowess sealed the victory for Sacramento, denying Williamson and Fears in critical plays.

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Kings coach Doug Christie expressed pride in his team's resilience, stating, “It just makes me smile to watch them.” He emphasized the importance of winning for team morale, especially given the Kings' recent struggles. The victory is particularly significant as the Kings had the worst record in the NBA just weeks prior.

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Despite the win, the Kings' overall performance this season has drawn criticism, particularly regarding their standing in the NBA draft lottery. Winning games late in the season may hinder their chances for a higher draft pick, a concern echoed by analysts who argue that developing young talent should take precedence over immediate victories.

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The Kings will look to continue their winning streak as they prepare to host the Los Angeles Clippers, who are currently ninth in the Western Conference. The Clippers have had a mixed performance recently, losing two consecutive games after a five-game winning streak.

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• “I think those two blocks at the end of the game pretty much sealed it.” — Maxime Raynaud, Kings Center

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This victory not only boosts the Kings' morale but also highlights the potential of their young roster as they navigate the remainder of the season.

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