The New Orleans Pelicans won a close game which is something they haven’t done much of this season.
The Pels usually get blown out or blow the other team out, so it was nice to see them finally win a close win against the Celtics, an overtime thriller that could inspire some changes this season.
Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson combined for 61 points in 83 minutes to lead the Pels second-half charge, but it was the inspired defense of Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball that really got things going.
Even Nicolo Melli got in on the action (more on that later) and the Pels completed their best win of the season.
Let’s hope they can carry the momentum into the next game. Here are the grades for the overtime win over the Boston Celtics.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Boston Celtics: Grade for Lonzo Ball
Even though Lonzo Ball turned the ball over six times, it was his perimeter defense that really helped turn things around in the second half.
After a hot start in the 1st quarter, Lonzo and the rest of the team disappeared before emerging in the second half on a mission. Lonzo was flying all over the place, getting into passing lanes, fighting over screens and generally being a nuisance on defense.
He hit a couple of huge 3-point shots, grabbed six rebounds and added two steals in the win. This game showed why Lonzo Ball is so valuable to this team, as his perimeter defense was a big part of the comeback.