Pelicans Franchise-Record Three-Point Shooting Buries Hornets

New Orleans, LA - The New Orleans Pelicans opened their four-game home stand with a 132-112 victory over the struggling Hornets. New Orleans' three-point shooting carried them to victory, making a franchise-record 25 shots from beyond the arc. The Pels victory improved their home record to 13-8 on the season.

Brandon Ingram opened the game eager to shake off the recent slump he's been in. B.I. hasn't scored 20 points since December 31 against the Los Angeles Lakers but started Wednesday's game setting the tone offensively. Ingram scored 12 points and dished out six assists in the opening quarter. New Orleans had 16 assists in the quarter, the most in franchise history for a quarter. The Pelicans couldn't miss from beyond the arc, making nine three-point shots, tying a franchise record for most threes in any quarter.

Charlotte kept pace with the Pelicans by shooting 50% from the field. LaMelo Ball, in his third game back from an ankle injury, scored 11 points to lead Charlotte in scoring. New Orleans took a 43-36 advantage heading into the second quarter. The Pelicans extended their lead to 16 points after opening the second quarter on a 9-0 run. All seemed easy for New Orleans, but the Hornets would not go away.

Charlotte closed the half on a 15-4 run, fueled by their offensive rebounding and second-chance points. The Hornets grabbed 12 offensive rebounds which led to 14 second-chance points. New Orleans went over three minutes without scoring a point before CJ McCollum knocked down two free throws to give the Pelicans a 66-61 halftime advantage. Charlotte guard Terry Rozier led all scorers with 17 points at the break.

New Orleans created some breathing room thanks to a strong quarter from Ingram. B.I. scored 14 of the Pels 30 points in the quarter and almost notched a triple-double before the final period. Ingram's stat line after three quarters was 26 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. The Pelicans did a much better job defensively against the young Hornets. The Pels surrendered just 21 points on 40% shooting. New Orleans extended its lead to 14 points heading into the fourth.

The Pelicans kept up the offensive onslaught in the fourth, and Ingram notched his third triple-double of his career after Trey Murphy III knocked down a three with less than three minutes to go in the game. Ingram finished the game with 28 points, ten rebounds, and ten assists. Rookie Jordan Hawkins led all bench players with 21 points, including six made three-point shots.

Wednesday's victory puts the Pelicans eight games over .500, tied for the most wins over .500 on the season. New Orleans has a tough home stretch ahead, starting Friday against the Phoenix Suns, followed by games against the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder.