It’s no coincidence that Lonzo Ball’s strong play in recent weeks for the Pelicans has mirrored the best stretch of results of the year for New Orleans. After struggling with a constantly changing role and injuries earlier in the season, Ball has found his role and his flourishing, bringing team success to the Pelicans in the process.
In the last eight games, Ball is averaging 16.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting 40.0% from three. After Ball’s 23-point performance against the Lakers on Saturday, Brandon Ingram spoke about the renaissance of his teammate in recent weeks.
“He’s a big piece of what we’re doing. I think him pushing the pace and knocking down his open shots and him having the intermediate game a little bit going has been big for us to just keep on going. I think we’re trending in the right way.
“I think he’s doing everything without hesitating. He has full confidence in everything he’s doing. He’s getting to the basket and getting in the mid-range and shooting the three and he’s defending the basketball. That’s everything that you want and what’s going on and he’s distributing for everybody also.”
Ball and Ingram have both experienced breakouts this season, though Ingram’s has been far more sustaining than Ball’s two-week stretch so far. Ingram is averaging 24.9 points and 6.8 rebounds on the year while shooting 40.1% from three.
Over the last eight games, six of those the Pelicans have won, Ingram is the teammate Ball has shared the court with most at 185 minutes. When both are on the court together, the Pelicans have a net rating of +11.6 and an offensive rating of 117.8. Interestingly, in that same span, the trio of Ball, Ingram and Josh Hart have played together 81 minutes with a net rating of +10.7
The former Baby Lakers are finding success together this season in their new roles and, as a result, are pushing for an improbable spot in the playoffs.