The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 105-98, in the NBA Play-In Tournament at Smoothie King Center on Saturday evening.

The game got out to a competitive start as the Kings held a two-point lead after one quarter. The Pelicans turned up their play in the second and outscored the visitors by 11 points in the frame to take a nine-point lead into the break. Both sides brought a good effort in the third and poured in 29 points each, while the hosts maintained a nine-point advantage heading into the final quarter. The Pelicans reclaimed momentum in the fourth and rallied to a 20-point lead, which was enough to hold on for the win and secure the eighth playoff spot in the West. This marks the end of the season for the Kings.

Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 24 points, six rebounds, six assists and a blocks, in 37 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas followed up with 19 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Trey Murphy logged 16 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal. The Pelicans shot 51.8 percent from the field, including 7-for-19 from deep.

Meanwhile, De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 35 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, in 42 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 23 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block, while Harrison Barnes tallied 17 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Kings shot 40.9 percent from the field, including 11-for-41 from long range.