As usual, the Kings were unbelievably sloppy on offense. Its almost coming to a point where we're becoming numb to the huge turnover numbers; 20+ turnovers for most teams is considered brutal, but for the Kings its becoming a regular occurrence. Tonight, the Kings coughed up the ball 24 times for 22 Pelicans points going the other way. When the Kings were building up the lead, the Pelicans were the sloppier team with 15 first-half turnovers. They only committed two more in the second half.

Its a shame because Cousins was having his way otherwise with the Pelicans defenders. Boogie was spectacular, putting up 40 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists on 16/29 from the field. But the Kings really struggled in the halfcourt when they weren't running out against Pelicans turnovers; when the shot clock passed 15 seconds, the Kings' offensive rating fell to 86.7, an indication that the halfcourt offense is just not working.

As for the defense, the Pelicans put up a ton of points but their per-possession offensive rating was only 102.3, which is a shade below their season average. The Kings for the most part defended shooters well; they are making an effort to shade ballhandlers baseline, and the rotations around the perimeter (when they don't break down) allow the team to defend the jumper much better than they have. The Pelicans only shot 7/25 from three point range, and a poor percentage from midrange.

Ultimately, this was another game that was there for the taking in a season full of blown opportunities. It can't be much longer now before the team checks out for the rest of the season.

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