Fears Leads Pelicans to First Win of the Season

Fears also recorded two steals, four blocks and eight boards during the Pelicans’ victory, helping New Orleans end a four-game losing streak. He made nine of 16 shots and had 13 assists against three turnovers while taking on a larger playmaking role as Dejounte Murray was away to welcome his new child. Jordan Poole also missed the game with an ankle injury.

Zion Williamson scored 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting, and Trey Murphy III added 18. New Orleans’ reserves outscored Sacramento’s 41-8. The Pelicans also built a 32-20 advantage in assists and scored 80 points in the paint.

Sacramento rookie Darius Acuff Jr. scored a career-high 34 points and had 12 assists. Domantas Sabonis collected 15 rebounds and seven assists, but committed seven turnovers. The Kings gave the ball away 25 times overall and fell to 0-5.

New Orleans took a 63-61 lead into halftime and pulled ahead with a 16-2 run in the third quarter. Fears helped extend the lead in the fourth after Sacramento began to close the gap. The Pelicans play Atlanta at home on Saturday, while Sacramento visits Memphis.