New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for overtime loss vs. Knicks

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Knicks: Grades for the wings

Brandon Ingram didn’t play badly, but the Pelicans probably expect more from their second-best player.

Ingram had an inefficient performance, going for 19 points but on just 33 percent shooting. He missed both of his threes, as well, although he got to the line plenty of times.

I would have liked to see Ingram get the Pels’ last shot in the fourth quarter if Stan Van Gundy was set on getting a jumper. His decision to give Bledsoe the potential game winner was baffling, even if the Pelicans’ guard had the hot hand in the second half.

Naji Marshall was solid—not great, but he was fine.

In truth, this is what we should expect from Marshall. The former Xavier standout continues to make the most out of the minutes liberated by Josh Hart’s injury, but let’s be careful to not want too much from Marshall.

He is not going to graze a triple double on a regular basis as he did against the Wizards. Instead, I expect Marshall to have nights like this, where he does a bit of everything but to a much smaller degree.

Marshall finished with nine points and three assists, which is perfectly acceptable. I still want to see his two-way contract be converted to a regular deal.

James Johnson struggled to make an impact against the Knicks.

The veteran wing had one nice take to the rim, but nothing else really. He missed eight of his nine shots and nullified his one assist by committing a turnover. Johnson also was not much of a factor defensively, which is an area that he has often contributed in since arriving at the Smoothie King Center.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Johnson this summer. The Pelicans could use a player and especially a veteran like him. Calculating the type of money he will demand is guesswork, but I can’t imagine Johnson commanding a sizable contract.

New two-way signing James Nunnally got some run again, even if it was only for six minutes.

The veteran wing was tasked with spacing the floor, but didn’t really get many touches. However, it’s good to have a legit outside threat. For now, it seems like Stan Van Gundy might prefer him to Wes Iwundu.

Nunnally scored his first points in a Pels uniform after attacking a closeout and pulling up into a jumper.