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In a game that was originally touted as the probable showdown for a chance at the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, the Sacramento Kings defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 112-106 Tuesday night in Orlando. Despite the victory, the contest was anything but the pinnacle of the 8-game bubble restart.
Two days earlier both squads were officially eliminated from playoff contention after rather lackluster showings during the first half of the NBA restart.
New Orleans was labeled the media darlings with rookie sensation Zion Williamson posed to take the Bubble by storm and rise the Pelicans to an anticipated first-round series with the Los Angeles Lakers. Well, that did not even come close to happening and Williamson had already been shut down for the season prior to Tuesday’s game.
The Kings had much lower expectations from the national brass, but locally, fans had hoped that the team that went 13-7 to close out the end of the regular season before it was cut short by the Covid-19 outbreak, could maintain their hot play and keep rolling in the Bubble. That did not happen either.
So, there you have it, two teams more interested in going home to their families than playing a meaningless game on TNT in front of an empty arena. The excitement was palpable. Sort of.
Harrison Barnes led Sacramento with 25 points, eight rebounds, and two steals, while Bogdan Bogdanovic continued his hot play of late with 16 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.
De’Aaron Fox, Richaun Holmes, and Kent Bazemore did not suit up due to various ailments and are not expected to see any more action this year.
Check out the game highlights and interviews with coach Luke Walton and swingman Bogdan Bogdanovic for all the action and postgame insights.
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