Even without Zion Williamson , the New Orleans Pelicans still put up a good fight against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their loss, however, prompted All-Star forward Brandon Ingram to issue a serious challenge for challenge for Game 2.
In that particular game, OKC went home with the 94-92 win over NOLA. MVP-favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 28 points on 45 percent shooting from the field, six rebounds, and four assists in 39 minutes on the floor. Jalen Williams tallied 19 points, seven boards, four assists, and two steals while Chet Holmgren’s playoff debut saw the big man post 15 points ,11 rebounds, two assists, and five blocks.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, were led by Trey Murphy III’s 21 points, four rebounds, two assists, and three blocks. CJ McCollum added 20 points and six assists, while Jonas Valunciunas contributed 13 points and 20 rebounds.
For his part, Ingram had an off-night when he shot 29 percent from the field and finished the game with 12 points. The win gave OKC an early lead in the series, which places NOLA at an disadvantage, especially without Williamson in the lineup. It remains to be seen what adjustments New Orleans will take to steal one win on the road and regain home court advantage.
New Orleans Pelicans’ Brandon Ingram Drops Serious Challenge After Game 1 Loss to Oklahoma City Thunder
After the game, Ingram spoke to the media and explained what he has to do in Game 2 to win against the Thunder and a challenge he laid out to his opponents. In a pair of videos posted by Pelicans Film Room on X:
“Keep shooting. I’m not here for nothing. The story is already written. I just keep going and find my groove in the midst of the offense. It’s not about me, I’ll find myself as we continue to keep going”
— Brandon Ingram on finding his rhythm pic.twitter.com/6fFiEW4gwR
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) April 22, 2024
“Let him do it. We’ll be ready. I’ll be ready. Let him do it”
— Brandon Ingram on adjusting to Lou Dort’s physicality pic.twitter.com/6oh5RHBLHz
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) April 22, 2024
Luguentz Dort is seen as the Thunder’s primary defender and assigned to contain their opponents’ best offensive player. With the Thunder star defending Ingram, there’ll be some level of physicality and intensity between the two players.
With Game 2 about to happen soon, more eyes will be on Ingram’s performance against the Thunder. If he fails to rise to the occasion, New Orleans’ run this season will come to an end.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!