The Sacramento Kings defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 113-109, at Smoothie King Center on Friday night.

The Kings (3-2) hit the ground running from the opening tip, turning a seven-point first-quarter lead into an 11-point advantage. However, the Pelicans (1-5) came out of the halftime locker room playing effectively on both ends of the floor, outscoring Sacramento by a 24-18 margin in the third quarter. Each squad then got hot from the field in the final period, and although New Orleans got as close as within three points with 19.8 seconds remaining, a pair of free throws apiece by Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes sealed the win for the visitors.

De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 23 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and five assists. Richaun Holmes provided 21 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Hield tallied 20 points, six boards, one assist and two steals. Barnes generated an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Tyrese Haliburton supplied 17 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one block.

Jonas Valanciunas paced the Pelicans with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two steals and two blocks. Brandon Ingram delivered 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Devonte Graham registered 16 points, three boards, two assists and two steals. Herbert Jones poured in 12 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker managed 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal.

The Kings remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon, while the Pelicans host the New York Knicks on Saturday night.