The New Orleans Pelicans have made this a series. Ingram scores 37 as the Pelicans defeat the Suns 125-114, evening the series at 1 in a great win in Phoenix. The number nine seed was expected to get swept by the best team record-wise. However, they now have the leverage and potential to take this series seven games. Outscoring the Suns 69-53 in the second half and showed that they are a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.
Brandon Ingram’s Turn
Last night Brandon Ingram proved that he is capable of being a star in the NBA. Scoring 37, adding 11 rebounds and nine assists as he continued to show poise against the Suns’ Defenders. The entire night he looked unstoppable and was never rattled. He did roll his ankle in the 3rd quarter, however, that did not stop the destruction he brought to the Suns’ defense. Brandon Ingram is showing the world that it’s his turn, and he’s doing it against the best team on the biggest stage.
Ingram’s 10 points in the 4th quarter showed his clutch ability as he dominated the game from start to finish. Ingram made the Suns’ defense look like cones as he continued to shoot over them. Scoring at all three levels, including three big three-pointers. There was no answer for him on the Suns’ side. At one point, Ingram looked like he was in a trance. Catching the ball on the baseline and just turned over his shoulder immediately to shoot over the smaller defender. Then another play just dribbling into his rhythm and rising up for a three over Jae Crowder. Thus, showing the world that he deserves to be in the same conversations with the Tatums, the Bookers, the Lukas, etc.
”This is one of his best and it was on a big stage,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said. ”I’m proud of that young man. He works his tail off, he’s a great teammate, high character, high IQ and he put it on display tonight.”
Time to Give Lavine The Keys
It’s Brandon’s turn, and he quietly is leading the Pelicans this series and taking full advantage of the spotlight on the biggest stage. However, he now has to show that he can do it at home as the series turns in New Orleans’ favor. Nonetheless, Phoenix will still have to find an answer for Ingram as he is giving their best defenders trouble. He put the team on his back as the Pelicans defeat the Suns 125-114
Devin Booker’s Hamstring
Before Ingram took over, Devin Booker was looking to have a monster game. He scored 31 in the first half, along with seven threes. He was looking to have one of those legendary playoff performances. However, he, unfortunately, suffered a hamstring injury mid third quarter. This injury would keep him out of the rest of the game. Coming down in transition to defend Jackson Hayes’ dunk, Booker landed awkwardly and called to be pulled out. Thus, effectively ending his night. It was a heavy blow to Phoenix as he is their best scorer. It may have also been the blow that cost them the game last night.
Booker will take an MRI to see what the diagnosis is for the rest of the series. The Suns are still favorites in the series even without Booker. However, it will be a tough outing that could likely reach six or even seven games. The Suns sorely missed Booker’s scoring ability down the stretch. It was obvious that they couldn’t match the onslaught of Cj McCollum and Brandon Ingram. Booker’s injury is the story for the night. This is because the Suns have championship aspirations and most likely won’t win without Booker’s contribution.
Go Pelicans Go
It is rare to see in the sports world. However, the Pelicans are crafting their own cinderella story as of now with key wins recently. Ever since acquiring Cj McCollum, the Pelicans have looked like a completely different team. Starting off the season 1-13, this resilient team grinded to a play-in spot where they defeated not only the Spurs but a tough Clippers team. They are crafting their own story that is catching the world’s attention. The Pelicans defeat the Suns 125-114, let’s see what they do at home now as their story continues to unfold.
Celtics VS Nets: Keys to Boston’s Victory
Led by first-year coach Willie Green and the young rising star in Brandon Ingram. The Pelicans are finally looking like that dangerous team everyone was salivating over when Zion Williamson was drafted. And the best part is they are doing this all without Zion. With key contributions from a lot of young and hungry players as well. From Alvarado to Murphy and Jones, Hayes, this team has potential oozing from every pore and these key playoff experiences could propel them to Western conference supremacy sooner than later. Watch out world, the Pelicans are coming. And after that brilliant display of basketball from Ingram, they are planning to stay.
follow Belly Up Sports on Twitter
follow Adonis Richards on Twitter
