The New Orleans Pelicans (12 - 26) defeated the Sacramento Kings (15 - 23) 109 - 97 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, CA on Wednesday. Anthony Davis made his return to the line up after missing two games with a bruised back. New Orleans lost both games without Davis but seemed completely rejuvenated by his return. Despite playing on the second night of a back - to - back and on the road, the Pelicans came out firing on all cylinders. They grabbed control of the game right from the start, with a 28 - 19 first quarter, followed up with 31 point second and third quarters. The Pelicans were up 90 - 65 going into the fourth. Sacramento responded with a big 32 - 19 fourth quarter but it was much too little, much too late. Anthony Davis led the way for the Pelicans as he logged 24 points (8 - 23 FG, 1 - 2 3Pt, 7 - 8 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. Eric Gordon also finished with 24 points, while shooting an efficient 6 - 12 from distance. Gordon also chipped in six assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block, in 42 minutes. Ryan Anderson and Norris Cole tallied 18 points each, off the bench. The Pelicans did a very good job protecting the ball and only gave up seven turnovers. They also shot 48 percent from long range. Tyreke Evans left the game early with a sore right knee. DeMarcus Cousins led Sacramento in scoring and rebounding, with 32 points (13 - 30 FG, 3 - 8 3Pt, 3 - 4 FT) and 12 rebounds, in 36 minutes. Rajon Rondo had a point guard's double - double with 17 points (7 - 11 FG, 1 - 1 3Pt, 2 - 2 FT) and 10 assists, along with five rebounds, in 29 minutes. Rudy Gay finished with 12 points (5 - 9 FG) and six rebounds. Omri Casspi returned to the line up after missing games with a sore upper back and finished with seven points and six rebounds, in 29 minutes off the bench. The Kings will begin a three - game road trip in Utah on Thursday. Utah sits just ahead of them in the standings and will also be on the second night of a back to back, making for a tough match - up. The Pelicans will host the Hornets on Friday.
["TeamStat(G,'Kings') has 23 Losses ,has 97 Total points ,has 19 Points in 1st quarter ,has 32 Points in 2nd quarter ,has 15 Points in 3rd quarter ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Pelicans') has 26 Losses ,has 109 Total points ,has 28 Points in 1st quarter ,has 31 Points in 2nd quarter ,has 31 Points in 3rd quarter ,has 19 Points in 4th quarter ,has 7 Turnovers ,has 12 Wins ."]