13 Assists Lead Jeremiah Fears to Career Night Against Kings, Giving Pelicans Something to Think About

A career night in Sacramento

Fears finished two rebounds short of his first career triple-double, adding four blocks and two steals to his 22 points and 13 assists. He made nine of 16 shots, including three of five from beyond the arc, and had three turnovers in 29 minutes.

Murray was unavailable following the birth of his child, leaving Fears with more responsibility. New Orleans ended a four-game skid with the 132-120 win, its first victory after four consecutive losses.

Playmaking powers balanced offense

Zion Williamson scored 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting, Trey Murphy III added 19, and four other Pelicans reached double figures. The team’s offensive balance stood out, though Sacramento committed 25 turnovers and struggled to contain New Orleans in transition and near the rim.

Fears helps protect the lead

The Pelicans led by 14 before Sacramento began closing the gap. When Fears returned with 5:59 left, New Orleans was ahead 115-106; he scored twice and assisted on another basket during an 8-0 run that pushed the lead to 17.

Sacramento later trimmed the margin to eight, but New Orleans held on. The Pelicans lost the fourth quarter 32-30, continuing a pattern seen in all five games, while Fears contributed on defense with four blocks and two steals.

Backcourt questions remain

Herb Jones scored 16 points and posted a team-best plus-27 in his return to the starting lineup. New Orleans’ bench added 41 points, compared with eight from Sacramento’s reserves.

One win over a winless opponent does not settle the questions about Fears and Murray, who both need the ball in their hands. Murray’s absence also changed the rotation, making comparisons with the previous four games difficult. Still, Fears’ showing gives New Orleans reason to examine how consistent playmaking responsibility might shape his development.