Kings crush Pelicans and are crowned in the Pacific

Sacramento Kings’ Keegan Murray shoots past New Orleans Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III, Tuesday, April 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — De’Aaron Fox scored 23 points, rookie Keegan Murray added 21 and the Sacramento Kings routed the New Orleans Pelicans 121-103 on Tuesday night to clinch the Pacific Division title.

Domantas Sabonis had 16 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for the Kings, who took the lead for good in the first period and even extended it to 24 points in the second half.

Brandon Ingram had 22 points and Trey Murphy III added 17 for the Pelicans (40-39), who entered the game knowing they could clinch sixth place in the Western Conference if they won their last four games.

Now, New Orleans seems more destined to play the play-off mini-tournament in which they participate from seventh to tenth place. They have not ensured that either, since they require one more win or losses from Dallas and Utah.

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