The conclusion to another disappointing season for the New Orleans Pelicans draws near. Fortunately, it is nearly here.
The latest installment in a lousy season came Friday night in Sacramento against a severely depleted Kings squad that is tanking. Apparently, the Kings did not do a good enough job trying to lose.
Sacramento rallied in the second half to defeat the Pelicans 117-113.
New Orleans controlled the first half. The Kings controlled the second half.
The Pelicans led 30-21 after one quarter and 66-55 at halftime. New Orleans led by as many as 17 points.
Sacramento began its comeback in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 92-85 going to the fourth quarter.
The Pelicans led most of the way in the fourth quarter before the Kings grabbed their first lead on a free throw by Daeqwon Plowdon with 2:37 to play in the game.
New Orleans would not lead again.
Derik Queen and Trey Murphy missed shots before Queen committed a turnover with an offensive foul with one minute to play. Jeremiah Fears had a shot blocked before Saddiq Bey scored at the rim with 24.6 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to 114-113.
After Maxime Raynaud made two free throws, Zion Williamson had his shot blocked by Dyland Cardwell, Nique Clifford cleared the rebound and Bey fouled Clifford, who put the game away by making his first free throw attempt.
Appropriately, Cardwell blocked Fears at the rim with under three seconds left to clinch another loss for New Orleans.
Per usual, the Pelicans defended poorly, allowing a bad Sacramento team to shoot 51 percent from the field.
Per usual, the Pelicans rebounded poorly, losing that battle 46-36.
A clear strength for New Orleans all season has been points in the paint.
That was not the case Friday night as the Kings outscored New Orleans 62-48 in the painted area. Additionally, the Kings whipped the Pelicans on second chance points, outscoring New Orleans 22-11 in that department.
Yes, it was the second of a back-to-back for the Pelicans but that is no excuse, considering the quality or lack thereof with regard to the competition.
Raynaud continued his ascension into becoming a good player.
Raynaud had 28 points, nine rebounds and four assists to lead the Kings.
The light in the midst of darkness for New Orleans is Fears.
After scoring 21 points in a loss at Portland Thursday, Fears pumped in 28 points, including 5 of 11 from 3-point range, the most 3-pointers Fears has posted in a single game in his young caerer.
It was a complete effort for Fears, who had eight rebounds and six assists.
The 28 points matched a career high for Fears, who scored 28 points against the Clippers March 1.
Fears has scored in double figures in six consecutive games, averaging 17.5 points per game in those contests. He is 8 of 15 from 3-point range in his last two games.
While Fears is shooting an ordinary 34.3 percent from 3-point range, his shot is improving as is his confidence in taking the long-range shot.
Fears has shown the ability to win off the dribble and get to the paint and rim frequently. His playmaking skills will come with time, lest we not forget that he is just 19.
Now 25-53, the Pelicans must still play four more games. The final two home games are Sunday against Orlando and Tuesday against Utah. The final game is at Boston next Friday.
Another failed, losing season is sure to produce more change, likely with the coaching staff and it should result in change with many players on the current roster.
While Derik Queen has shown some promise, Trey Murphy has enjoyed a good season, Zion Williamson has remained healthy and Herb Jones is still a dependable player, the bright spot and hope for the future is Fears.