Domantas Sabonis, Kings Trolled By NBA Fans for Playoff-Eliminating Loss to Pelicans

zach bacharContributor IApril 20, 2024

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 19: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings goes to the basket during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2024 Play-In Tournament on April 19, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes./NBAE via Getty Images)

Jeff Haynes./NBAE via Getty Images

The Sacramento Kings' season came to an end on Friday night, losing to the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA play-in tournament by the final score of 105-98.

After defeating the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday and earning a chance to potentially secure the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, the Kings were unable to overcome a Pelicans team that was missing superstar Zion Williamson.

Sacramento's star duo performed admirably, as De'Aaron Fox led all scorers with 35 points while Domantas Sabonis recorded 23 points and 14 rebounds to go along with seven assists. However, the two combined to commit nine turnovers.

The absences of shooting guards Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk were evident as the Kings hit just 27 percent of their attempts from behind the arc as a team. They also missed seven free throws, shooting just 15-22 from the charity stripe. Despite finishing with an impressive 46-36 record, Sacramento's season is officially over before the playoffs have begun.

NBA fans trolled the Kings following their loss to a short-handed Pelicans team:

Frankie Cartoscelli @FCartoscelli3
The Sacramento Kings look like a completely different team against the New Orleans Pelicans.<br><br>Six games. The same result in each one. It's truly remarkable.

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warriorsworld @warriorsworld
Kings get their biggest win in two decades and won't get a playoff appearance? Tough break

D @DRaps04
Sabonis is Jonas' son 😂

alex george @alexgeorgefilm
this is so embarrassing for the kings. they don't even have zion and you're getting blown out?

Chief @naijaprincee
Kings fans did all that yapping the other night just to lose to a Zion-less Pelicans squad <a href="https://t.co/32IgxbpksZ">pic.twitter.com/32IgxbpksZ</a>

Daman Rangoola @damanr
Don't care how he looks against AD in the regular season, Sabonis is not a playoff threat. 🤷🏾‍♂️

Keilan @w3lldone_24
Kings lost without Zion 😭😂

Kimora♥️ @kimorabanks47
The Sacramento Kings have been Eliminated……THATS ALL FOLKS <a href="https://t.co/HddxwpgLPu">pic.twitter.com/HddxwpgLPu</a>

After a heartbreaking Game 7 defeat against the Golden State Warriors during the first round of the 2023 playoffs, Sacramento's season ended in another must-win contest on Friday.