Brandon Ingram's Season-High 41 Points Fuels Pelicans Blowout Victory Over Raptors
NEW ORLEANS — The Pelicans returned home after a four-game road trip and dominated the hapless Toronto Raptors 138-100 Monday night at the Smoothie King Center.
Pelicans fans were in for a treat, witnessing Brandon Ingram score a season-high 41 points in just three quarters. More importantly, the victory moved the Pelicans to eight games over .500 this season.
New Orleans started the game with tons of energy fueled by the home crowd. The Pels started the game on a 10-2 run, forcing the Raptors to call a quick timeout. Toronto played the night before in Oklahoma City and showed some early effects from a game that went into overtime.
Brandon Ingram outscored the entire Toronto starting five in the first quarter 12-11, and the Pelicans led by as many as 20 points.
Feb 5, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) passes against Toronto Raptors forward Bruce Brown (11) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
The Pelicans shot well from downtown, making six of their 15 three-point attempts while holding Toronto to just 34.5% from the field. New Orleans led 36-19 after the first quarter. The Raptors and Pelicans played an even second quarter, each scoring 31 points.
Gradey Dick scored nine points in the period to lead the Raptors, while Brandon Ingram continued his offensive attack with 21 first-half points. New Orleans lead remained at 17.
Any hope for a Raptors comeback quickly faded away in the opening minutes of the third quarter. New Orleans built its biggest lead of 27 points off the hot shooting of Ingram. B.I. made 9/11 shots in the first half, which marked his highest field goal percentage in a half of his career (81.8%).
He continued his strong shooting in the third quarter with six made three-point shots, including five straight to end the period. The crowd gave Ingram a standing ovation at the end of the period for his efforts. His night was officially done.
Feb 5, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Gradey Dick (1) and Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) double team New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
Jonas Valanciunas was the only starter to play in the fourth quarter of the blowout victory. The remaining garbage time minutes were window dressing for a dominant Pelicans performance. The victory for New Orleans is their third straight after losing three straight games.
There were many things Coach Willie Green can applaud his team for, especially on the defensive side of the court. New Orleans forced 18 turnovers, including grabbing 11 steals. Dick lead the Raptors in scoring with 23 points.
The Pelicans head back on the road for a West Coast trip that starts Wednesday night in L.A. versus the Clippers. They remain on the road until February 14, when they host the Washington Wizards before the All-Star break.
