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.
Pelicans vs. Celtics: Grades for the shooting guards
When you head to the bench and your team plays better it is not a good sign. Bledsoe played sparingly in the second half and the New Orleans Pelicans were a much better team when he wasn’t on the floor.
The Pels might look to deal Bledsoe before the deadline, as he has not yet found his niche even though he has shot the 3-pointer well this season.
Josh Hart was really the difference in this one and he should definitely see some more time with the first unit. Hart was everywhere, racking up three blocks and a steal while playing physical defense on Jayson Tatum.
He ended the game with 17 points and 10 rebounds, but it was his defense, hustle and all-around effort that inspired the Pels to victory.
J.J. Redick got kicked out of the game with only four points but it did seem to fire up his teammates.
The refs were terrible for both teams all night and Redick let them know about it, which eventually got him ejected after he threw the ball too hard to one of the refs.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Celtics: Player Grades for the small forwards
Brandon Ingram showed why he often draws comparisons to Kevin Durant, putting the team on his back late in the game and icing it for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Ingram hit a 3-pointer to complete the comeback and tie the game with just over four minutes left in regulation.
He hit another one in overtime that essentially won the game before he put it away at the line.
Ingram finished with 33 points, six rebounds and three assists in 43 minutes, hitting all six of his free throws, including the ones that ended the game.
Ingram has proven himself to be an assassin on the offensive end but also played better defense against the Celtics.
Pelicans vs. Celtics: Grades for the power forward and centers
Zion Williamson had one of his worst halves of the season against the Celtics, scoring just four points in the first half while turning the ball over several times and looking out of sorts.
What I loved about this game is that he didn’t hang his head and let it stop him, as Zion scored 24 points in the second, including a late bucket through contact that gave the Pelicans the lead with 6.9 seconds left in regulation.
Zion is playing big minutes and what can you say? The kid is making history every night and just keeps filling up the stat sheet, ending with 28 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, including one on the Ingram 3-point shot that gave the Pels the lead.
I’ve been as hard as anyone on Melli this season, as he hasn’t been good. And if you looked at just the stat sheet from last night you’d say it was more of the same, as Melli only hit one of his seven 3-point attempts.
But Melli played as hard as anyone on the floor and his effort was infectious. He had a great defensive play late on Daniel Theis, stuffing him at the rim and starting a fast break.
Could this be the return of Melli? Probably not, but his effort might have earned him some future minutes, especially if Steven Adams is still out with injury.
Willy Hernangomez wasn’t great and didn’t see much action down the stretch but he did end the game with 13 rebounds including five on the offensive end.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been so inconsistent this season that it is way too early to know if this effort will carry over to the next one, but let’s hope their defensive effort and intensity can carry over to the next game.