The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Sacramento Kings, 129-93, at Smoothie King Center on Monday night.

The Kings (8-5) started the game off in solid form on either end of the floor, establishing a 31-29 lead through one. However, the Pelicans (7-7) essentially changed the dynamic of the game for good in the second quarter, erasing their narrow deficit and taking a 13-point lead into halftime. Then, New Orleans snuffed out any hopes of a Sacramento comeback in definitive fashion by putting together an utterly dominant third quarter during which they enjoyed a 34-16 advantage. The hosts shot a blistering 54.3 percent while limiting their visitors to a 37.9 percent success rate from the field.

Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 16 points, adding four rebounds and one steal. De'Aaron Fox supplied 14 points, two rebounds and one steal. Domantas Sabonis generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included eight assists. JaVale McGee and Kevin Huerter matched Sabonis' scoring, with McGee adding seven rebounds and two steals.

Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 31 points, complementing them with four rebounds and three assists. Zion Williamson delivered 26 points, five assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Herbert Jones supplied 18 points, seven boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Naji Marshall registered 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double that included seven assists, three blocks and one steal.

The Kings and Pelicans reconvene for a rematch on Wednesday night.