Pelicans Triumph Over Raptors in New Orleans
In a thrilling matchup on Wednesday night in New Orleans, the Pelicans emerged victorious against the Toronto Raptors, clinching a 122-111 win. This game was particularly significant for Brandon Ingram, who was making his return to the city after a six-season stint with the Pelicans before his trade to Toronto last February.
Key Performers
Trey Murphy III shone brightly, netting 28 points, while Dejounte Murray also had an impressive showing with 27 points—marking his best performance since recovering from a torn Achilles tendon that had kept him off the court for over a year. Zion Williamson contributed significantly as well, adding 19 points to the Pelicans’ total. The win marked New Orleans’ seventh victory in their last ten games, showcasing the team’s rising form.
Brandon Ingram’s Milestone
Ingram, with 22 points in this contest, surpassed the milestone of 11,000 career points, illuminating his journey as a seasoned player over his ten years in the league. Despite his impressive return, the Raptors struggled, having lost six of their last eight games, which resulted in a slip from fifth to seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings—now trailing behind both Orlando and Miami by half a game.
Shooting Statistics
The shooting statistics revealed a stark contrast between the two teams: New Orleans capitalized on their shots, hitting 14 three-pointers at an efficiency of 48.3% on 29 attempts, while Toronto’s 14 threes came off 44 attempts, translating to 31.8%. The Pelicans held a slim lead of 60-58 at halftime and extended it to a commanding 18-point advantage in the third quarter. Even though Toronto made a push in the fourth quarter to reduce their deficit to just two points, New Orleans quickly responded with an 8-0 scoring run, maintaining their lead. Murphy sealed the game with a crucial three-pointer with just over two minutes remaining, pushing the score to 116-101.
Tribute to Ingram
“In a nod to his time in New Orleans, the Pelicans honored Ingram early in the game with a video tribute, celebrating his contributions that included an All-Star selection and an average of 17.6 points during his tenure with the team.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Raptors will face the Phoenix Suns at home on Friday, while the Pelicans are set to travel to Houston for their next game.
