New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for win vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Thunder: Grades for the wings

Brandon Ingram played another really good game.

His season continues to be underrated, but the New Orleans Pelicans’ wing hasn’t let the lack of credit get to him. He has always been about putting in the hard work and letting the results speak for themselves.

Ingram’s three-pointer was not going in against the Thunder, so he relied on a steady diet of mid-range pull-ups. These are meh shots for most players, but good shots for him. Ingram is great at creating separation once he gets inside the arc and his high release point makes his shot pretty much unblockable.

Ingram also impressed me with his playmaking again. I mentioned in my last grades article that he needs to be quicker executing his reads and he did just that against the Thunder.

Naji Marshall wasn’t efficient against the Thunder, but he still contributed.

Even though the former Xavier man shot under 30 percent from the field, the good news is that he made two of his three triples and both of his free throws. Marshall’s shot continues to be a key improvement area for him so that he can make use of his driving ability.

Beyond that, he had three assists, seven rebounds, and one steal. Marshall continues to be Stan Van Gundy’s lynchpin off the bench.

Welcome back, Mr. Johnson.

The veteran forward returned to the rotation after a few games away with an injury and picked up where he left off. Johnson’s ability to handle the ball, make plays at the rim, and play smart defense really gives the Pels a different look on both ends of the floor.

In his 21 minutes of play, Johnson had 12 points, three rebounds, an assist, and a pair of steals. He does a bit of everything, which is exactly what the Pelicans often need. Johnson was missed.

Wenyen Gabriel got three minutes in which he zipped around the floor on defense and did nothing on offense.

His activity level was evident right off the bat. As soon as he checked in, Gabriel had a big block which was waived off because the ball was adjudicated to be on the way down. Not disheartened by that, the South Sudan man quickly got off the floor for another rejection.

I hope he continues to get spot minutes here and there, rather than solely seeing the floor during garbage time.