New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for close win vs. Kings

The New Orleans Pelicans picked up their third win in as many games after defeating the Sacramento Kings 110-117.

The game ended up being closer than it had any right to be—at least at first. Even without Lonzo Ball, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Josh Hart, the Pelicans settled into the lead quickly in the first quarter. This eventually ballooned to a 23-point advantage for New Orleans by the half, leading many to surmise that the rest of the game would amount to extended garbage time.

But then, a switch flipped. The Kings clawed back into the game, partly because of the Pels’ drowsy second half performance but also because of De’Aaron Fox’s offensive onslaught. The Sacramento point guard finished with 43 points and, at one point, ushered the Kings to within five points.

The end of the Monday night contest was a nail-biter. With under a minute to go, the Kings got two technical free throws and the ball. Harrison Barnes converted said foul shots, but Sacramento was unable to follow up with a three-pointer and the Pelicans ended up icing the game.

This win keeps New Orleans in the race for the final spot in this season’s play-in tournament, just one game behind the 10th-placed Golden State Warriors. The Warriors picked up a win over the Denver Nuggets on Monday, but they will still have to face the Pels three times this season.

Here are the player grades for the Pels’ win against the Kings, starting with my personal MVP:

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings: Grading the best player

Brandon Ingram is still working his way back from injury, but the Pels’ wing was pivotal with a team-high 34 points on 61 percent shooting from the field.

Ingram was getting it done offensively throughout the entire game. He made his pull-ups, played well in the pick-and-roll, and attacked the basket emphatically. That’s how he got to the free throw line ten times, yet another category in which he led the Pelicans.

In his last ten games, Ingram has reached the 30-point barrier four times. His season is being underrated and underappreciated in NBA conversations, partly because he plays in New Orleans and also because of Zion Williamson’s laughable dominance.

However, it should not be forgotten that Ingram is averaging more points than last season, more assists while cutting down on turnovers, and doing everything on higher efficiency despite being on opponents’ scouting reports every night.