New Orleans Pelicans: Player Grades in 110-104 Win Over the Heat
Ingram was good when it mattered and the New Orleans Pelicans were able to hold off the Miami Heat, gaining ground in the Western Conference playoff chase in the process.
Brandon Ingram had one of the worst shooting nights of his career and Zion Williamson saw his 13-game streak of 20+ points end, but the New Orleans Pelicans were still able to get a win behind strong play from their guards.
Having lost three in a row and watching their playoff hopes slip away, the Pelicans were desperate for a victory on a night when they had a chance to gain ground on three of the teams they are chasing.
The San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers all lost, so the New Orleans Pelicans’ win put them just four back of the Grizzlies for the eight seed. They are in a virtual tie with San Antonio and just a half game behind Portland and Sacramento.
Five Thirty Eight now gives the Pelicans a 57 percent chance of making the playoffs, up 15 percent from when the day began.
It wasn’t the prettiest game for the New Orleans Pelicans, but they were able to scratch one out at home and keep their narrow playoff chances alive with 19 games remaining.
Here are the player grades after a big win over Miami in the Smoothie King Center.
Point Guards
Point Guard. New Orleans Pelicans. LONZO BALL. A.
Lonzo Ball has been playing his best basketball of the season and he continued against the Miami Heat.
Ball had another great all-around game with 16 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, but it has been his leadership on the floor that has stood out.
With the New Orleans Pelicans struggling to score in the fourth quarter, Ball was able to net four points in a row to keep them in the lead.
Ball did have four turnovers and it seems like he has at least one or two mental lapses every game, but Ball’s competitiveness and leadership have been really fun to watch.
It’s obvious he cares and wants to win, which is something that can’t be taught.
B-. . Pont Guard. New Orleans Pelicans. FRANK JACKSON
After having a big night off the struggling New Orleans Pelicans’ bench in the previous game, Frank Jackson cooled off, hitting just 1 of 7 shots for five points. Jackson did add five rebounds and his only make was a 3-pointer. Jackson ended the night with a +9 plus/minus, and played decent on the ball defense in his 16 minutes of action.
With the Pelicans bench continuing its cold streak, they will need Jackson to come off the bench and get buckets.