New Orleans Pelicans Player Grades in Win Over Golden State

Forwards

Ho hum, another day, another domination for rookie superstar Williamson. Zion continued his surge towards Rookie of the Year with 28 points and 7 rebounds. Williamson’s play was the only thing keeping the New Orleans Pelicans in the game in the first half and his speech at halftime refocused the Pelicans’ efforts. As Alvin Gentry said, “He is not your typical 19-year-old.”

Brandon Ingram was solid in his second game back from injury, netting 17 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals in 34 minutes. Ingram shot just 5-18 overall and was ice-cold in the first half, much like most of the team. He turned it on in the second and hit a couple of clutch 3-pointers that really shifted the momentum of the game. Ingram has flashed above-average passing ability since his return and he and Zion are turning into a formidable duo in the paint.

This game has been looming for Melli, as he has been getting a lot of open looks due to the attention given to Williamson and Ingram. It paid off last night as Melli torched the nets for 20 points, including going 6-7 from 3-point range. At one point Melli couldn’t miss, hitting six in a row from behind the arc  before the seventh rattled out. Melli provided huge production off the bench on a night when the Pelicans were initially struggling to score. Melli’s shooting will be big down the stretch, as he is sure to get plenty of open looks. Melli has a knack for getting to the right spot and if he continues his hot shooting, the New Orleans Pelicans are going to be hard to beat.