Three Takeaways: Kings Remain Winless After Falling to Pelicans, 132-120

A promising start fades

Sacramento opened with energy, taking a 30-24 first-quarter lead by pushing the ball in transition and finding early scoring chances. The Pelicans entered the game at 0-4 and were playing the second night of a back-to-back.

New Orleans seized control after halftime, scoring 26 points to the Kings’ seven to open the third quarter. The Pelicans went on to win 132-120, leaving Sacramento 0-5. The Kings have now repeatedly struggled to hold their ground at the start of halves and quarters.

Rotation depth becomes an issue

Sacramento’s bench played 42 minutes and scored eight points. No Kings starter played fewer than 37 minutes, while Domantas Sabonis, Darius Acuff Jr. and Precious Achiuwa each exceeded 40 minutes.

The Kings could use Maxime Raynaud or Dylan Cardwell, the story noted, as Achiuwa has had to fill in at center. Emanuel Sharp, Nique Clifford, Alex Karaban and Malik Monk formed a lightly used second unit; none played more than 18 minutes.

New Orleans’ reserves played 88 minutes and scored 39 points. No Pelicans starter exceeded 32 minutes, though Herb Jones reached that mark after early foul trouble.

Acuff leads the offense

Acuff finished with 34 points, 14 assists and six rebounds, shooting 13-for-26 from the field and 3-for-11 from three-point range. He also had two steals and was plus-three in the loss.

The 19-year-old scored 21 points in the first half and showed the scoring range that led Sacramento to select him seventh overall. The account described his offense as outstanding while noting that his defense remains a weakness.

A difficult road trip continues

Sacramento’s road trip continues with a Halloween-night game against the Memphis Grizzlies, followed by a matchup with the Dallas Mavericks and Cooper Flagg. The Kings will then return to Sacramento.

Coach Doug Christie is under pressure as the team continues to give up major runs. The loss to New Orleans reinforced the urgency facing a Kings team still searching for its first win.