The New Orleans Pelicans (38 - 34) kept their playoff hopes alive with a 102 - 88 win over the Sacramento Kings (26 - 46). They’re three games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the eighth spot in the Western Conference. Conventional wisdom says Anthony Davis has to make the playoffs in order to become an MVP candidate. He did his best against the Kings, tallying 24 points, nine rebounds, six blocks, two assists, and one steal in 41 minutes. It’s the seventh time he’s registered at least 24 points, nine boards, and six blocks in a game this season; no other players has even done it once. Former King Tyreke Evans added team - highs of 25 points and 10 assists in 33 minutes. Omer Asik corralled 12 rebounds but only attempted two shots in 36 minutes. Eric Gordon was limited to 20 minutes and four points, failing to grab a rebound or hit a three - pointer for the second consecutive game. DeMarcus Cousins picked up his 12th technical foul. He also accounted for 44 percent of the Kings points and 54 percent of their rebounds, accumulating 39 points, 20 rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and one steal in 41 minutes. It’s his 44th double - double this season, second only to Pau Gasol of the Chicago Bulls. Sophomores Ray McCallum and Ben McLemore combined for nine points on 3 - of - 13 shooting in 64 minutes. Rudy Gay and Omri Casspi joined Cousins as the only other players to reach double - digit scoring, providing 18 and 10 respectively. The Pelicans conclude a three - game homestand Sunday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Kings play their third straight road game then they face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.
["TeamStat(G,'Pelicans') has 34 Percentage of field goals ,has 102 Losses ,has 38 Total points ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Kings') has 44 Percentage of field goals ,has 46 Losses ,has 88 Total points ,has 24 Points in 3rd quarter ,has 26 Wins ."]