New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for loss vs. Nets

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Nets: Grades for the wings

Brandon Ingram couldn’t really do a whole lot more besides maybe making one more three-pointer. Still, he scored an efficient 27 points and got his teammates five assists.

Ingram was pivotal for the Pelicans with his scoring and playmaking. His pull-up jumper was really falling against the Nets and it’s a shame that we will most likely not get to see that skill in the playoffs this season.

I also thought the former Duke wing played well down the stretch. He scored eight points in the last period and didn’t quiver when the Nets put him at the free throw line.

Another good night for Naji Marshall, whose grade would have probably been an A if his shot had fallen.

Marshall was actually tasked with providing quite a bit of offensive punch against the Nets. His 15 total shot attempts were third on the team, just behind Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. The former Xavier man was aggressive throughout his 35 minutes—a team-high—on the court.

The only thing that wasn’t going for Marshall was his shot. He got plenty of joy taking the ball to the rack, but Marshall was 2-of-8 from three (including two misses down the stretch) and 1-of-6 from the free throw line.

Marshall’s swing skill has always been his shot, so he will need to continue putting in the work when it comes to that. Still, he has quickly made himself an important part of Stan Van Gundy’s rotation.

Wes Iwundu was back in the rotation as a result of James Johnson’s absence.

The former Dallas Mavericks wing made the most out of his opportunity. In his 20 minutes, he played with great energy, competed on defense, and took his chances to score. However, Iwundu continues to be a complete non-factor from beyond the perimeter, missing both of his two-pointers.

Iwundu had an encouraging performance against the Nets and he deserves credit for staying ready whenever his number is called. Despite that, I’m unconvinced he has a long-term future in New Orleans.