New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for crushing loss vs. Blazers

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Blazers: Grades for the wings

Brandon Ingram had another nice scoring night, leading the Pelicans in points and field goal attempts.

But much like Eric Bledsoe and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Ingram’s game versus Portland will be remembered for what he didn’t do. With the game essentially on the line, the Pels wing missed both of his pivotal free throws. This opened the opportunity for the Trail Blazers to complete their comeback win.

The missed free throws will only help the case that some of Ingram’s detractors make. There are those who contend that Ingram is not reliable in the clutch and that he needs to up that part of his game in order to truly consolidate himself as one of the NBA’s top players.

Ingram also had a careless night on the ball, racking up five turnovers. He handled the ball plenty, but was insecure with it and turned it over too much for my liking.

Josh Hart was one of New Orleans’ best players against the Trail Blazers with 16 points and nine rebounds.

The Villanova wing did what he always does. He played smart on offense, making a couple of threes, and put pressure on the opposing team’s rim. Hart was typically aggressive with his galloping drives and enjoyed some good results.

The only reason why Hart does not get an A- is simply because of defense. Hart didn’t particularly do anything wrong, but he still found himself at the mercy of the Blazers’ late offensive barrage at times. It’s during games like this where I wish the Pelicans had another playable wing, if only to toss out different looks against opponents when they catch fire. Let’s see if that happens next season with a new acquisition or someone already in the organization.

Hart was a close second for MVP of the night behind Zion Williamson.