Despite a well-played opening quarter, in which Sactown connected on nearly 64 percent from the field, the Kings found themselves down by two. James Anderson led the team with 10 points in the frame, followed by DeMarcus Cousins, who registered eight points and four rebounds.
Sacramento remained within striking distance until the latter half of the second quarter, before Ryan Anderson scored 17 points in a six-minute span, pushing the Pelicans lead to 21 at halftime.
The Kings opened the second half with a 10-0 run, but New Orleans quickly answered with a run of its own to end the comeback effort.