The New Orleans Pelicans snapped a four-game losing streak with a dominant 135-100 win over the Orlando Magic.
The game was arguably decided before the half-time break, but the Pels breaking the 100-point threshold with four minutes left in the third quarter and settling into a 40+ point lead is all you need to know. This was a great pick-me-up for New Orleans after a tough recent stretch of games, although this imposing win cannot be deceptive.
At the end of the day, the Magic are one of the worst teams in the NBA. They purposely capitulated their team at the trade deadline in order to rebuild for a brighter future. Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, and Evan Fournier were all respectively ushered out of the Amway Center to bigger and better destinations, opening the way for the likes of Cole Anthony, Mo Bamba, RJ Hampton, and other youngsters to get substantial game time this season.
Years from now, this Orlando roster will belong on the almanac of NBA players rather than on a commemorative t-shirt. Without meaning to disrespect them, how many Pelicans fans knew about Robert Franks or Devin Cannady before Thursday’s game?
Despite this, the Pels did gain some noteworthy headlines from this win. This was New Orleans’ largest win of the season and all 12 players who stepped on the court scored at least one point. The Pels are facing an upward climb until the end of the regular season in order to make the play-in tournament, but there is always the possibility that this win could reinvigorate a wilting team.
Here are the player grades for the Pels’ win against the Magic, starting with my personal MVP:
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic: Grading the best player
Brandon Ingram enjoyed a complete game against the Magic.
The Pels’ wing was firing on all cylinders. His shot was falling—11-of-17 from the field in 29 minutes of play—and I particularly appreciated his passing.
Ingram is at his best when he blends his scoring with his passing. This was one of those nights. Ingram made savvy decisions with the ball in his hands at all times. He ended up with six assists but could have had more.
Since returning from injury, Ingram is scoring 27 points and 5.5 assists per game.