Watch: Pels go on huge run to grab lead over Kings at halftime

New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Pelicans go on massive run to grab lead over Kings at halftime

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 4/19/24

The New Orleans Pelicans made a statement to close out the first half of Friday's play-in tournament matchup against the Sacramento Kings, going on a massive run to gain a double-digit lead at the halftime break.

After trailing the Kings by a basket, 24-22, after one quarter, the Pelicans turned the tide four minutes into the second. Down 31-29 with 7:59 to go, New Orleans outscored Sacramento 25-14 throughout the rest of the half, taking a 54-45 lead into the locker room.

going CRAZY @Larrydn22 pic.twitter.com/2WAc6owHHL
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 20, 2024

Without injured star center Zion Williamson, the Pelicans received boosts from starters Brandon Ingram (nine points, five rebounds) and Jonas Valanciunas (12 points, nine rebounds) in the first half. But they also got a lift off the bench from forward Naji Marshall, who tallied eight points in the second quarter alone.

Naji said GIMME DAT. pic.twitter.com/jygFa76B7H
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 20, 2024

While the Pelicans nurse a slim lead going into the second half, Friday's play-in game feels like a heated playoff matchup, even if it is only a one-game elimination. Late in the second quarter, things got chippy between the two sides, leading to some light pushing and shoving. Nothing major resulted from the altercation, but it's something to watch in the second half.