The New Orleans Pelicans got just what the doctor ordered. After suffering their worst loss of the season, the Pels didn’t wilt on the second night of a back-to-back and blew out the Cleveland Cavaliers 82-116.
It was a much-needed dominant win for Stan Van Gundy’s squad, even though this was always a game New Orleans should win. Regardless, the Pelicans did two things I mentioned in my pre-game piece: stomped out an opponent and held them below 100 points. That was the first time this happened since December 31 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
This blowout win will hopefully give the Pelicans the necessary momentum to take on their upcoming marquee matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. With that being said, here are my grades for Friday night’s game, starting with my personal MVP:
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Grading the best player
Brandon Ingram was the best player for the Pelicans against the Cavs.
Ingram played like his early season self, letting the game come to him and dominating on attack. The New Orleans wing demonstrated why he will one day be considered one of the best three-level scorers in the league, not forcing anything and scoring an efficient 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting. Ingram only played a smidge over 25 minutes, but the Pels didn’t need more from him. He also pitched in with four assists and seven rebounds.
Ingram became a little bit of an afterthought in February due to Zion Williamson’s ascension and suffered a harsh snub from the all-star game. However, he is still integral to New Orleans’ success. Let’s not forget how good he looked over the first few weeks of the season.
With Williamson having played less than the equivalent of a full NBA season, there will absolutely be times when Ingram will be required to act as the Pels’ main source of inspiration.