“For whatever reason, I don’t have an answer, but I don’t think we started the game with a great competitive spirit,” Redick said. “We’ve had a couple games like that down here, for whatever reason.”

The day started with such promise for the Pelicans. On Saturday, team owner Gayle Benson shipped crates of “New Orleans food” to the hotel for a feast. Red fish. Shrimp. Gumbo. Jambalaya. Salad. Cakes from Gambino’s bakery. Gentry told me the food was so good that Kings coach Luke Walton came over to be fed.

“These cakes, it’s just ridiculous,” Gentry said. “Nothing that tastes that good can ever be good for you.”