New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for nerve-racking win over the Kings

The New Orleans Pelicans eeked out a win over the Kings to end their losing streak at five.

The New Orleans Pelicans held on for dear life to get a 128-123 win over the Sacramento Kings.

The game featured some All-Star game level defense, as both teams stood around and watched the other pour in easy buckets for most of the game.

If there is anything that can get a team out of an offensive funk, it’s playing the Kings, who are currently the worst defensive team in the NBA.

The New Orleans Pelicans didn’t defend well either but were able to salt away the game behind a huge effort from Zion Williamson and some timely free-throw shooting.

The Pelicans once again blew big leads several times in the game, something that has become a common theme for this team early on. They have to get better at closing teams out, as they’ve had double-digit leads in nearly every game this season and are still just 5-7.

Here are the grades for a win over the Kings that shouldn’t have been as close as it was.

New Orleans Pelicans: Point guard grades in 128-123 win over the Kings

Point Guards

I’m not going to penalize the rookie for playing porous defense on De’Aaron Fox because everyone did.

Lewis Jr. only scored three points on 1-of-5 shooting, but I thought this was his most impressive game to date. Lewis Jr. got wherever he wanted on the floor to set up teammates for five assists, which could have been a LOT more if guys like Josh Hart could hit a corner 3-pointer.

Kira Lewis Jr. does not play like a teenager. He is under control, runs the pick-and-roll well and looks comfortable controlling the offense.

He didn’t commit a single turnover and his quickness is a weapon the New Orleans Pelicans have lacked.