By Matthew T.F. Harrington
AP photo: Pelicans Ryan Anderson (33) goes up toward basket over the Kings Marco Belinelli (3) on Thursday night
The New Orleans Pelicans were without their two best players in All-star Anthony Davis and Tyreke Evans, but they still managed to defend home court at the Smoothie King Center Thursday night. Ryan Anderson scored a career-high 36 points to beat a George Karl-less Sacramento Kings 114-105.
Anderson scored 30 points in the first half to push New Orleans (17-28) to a 63-53 lead at the half despite a 34-26 second quarter by the Kings. Sacramento would pull within 5 in the 4th, but a Pelican run extinguished all hope for the Kings (20-26).
Rajon Rondo and Western Conference All-star DeMarcus did the usual, each producing a double-double. The Kings point guard picked up 15 assists, matching a franchise record with 14-straight double-digit assist contests, and 17 points. Cousins earned his double on the glass, pulling in 10 boards along with 26 points. Ben McLemore also picked up 26 points.
For the Pelicans, Jrue Holiday pitched in off the bench. He scored 25 points on 8 of 24 shooting. Norris Cole picked up a double-double for the hosts after scoring 17 points while dropping 10 times.
The Kings were without coach Karl, who missed the contest due to illness. Associate coach Chad Iske took over the coaching duties looking to end a two-game losing skid for Sacramento. There is no word who will be behind the bench when the Kings travel to Memphis Saturday.
Sports Radio Service 