The New Orleans Pelicans snapped their 13-game losing streak with a 107-99 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center on Wednesday. Here was the good, the bad and the Ball from the game.
The Good: Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram has put up gaudy stats for the Pelicans stats all season long with averages of 25.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. However, on Wednesday, Ingram’s efforts finally came in a win.
In 33:48 against the Timberwolves, Ingram put up 34 points on 54.5% shooting from the field and made all seven of his free-throw attempts. If the Pelicans are playing well, Ingram’s play will put them over the top more often than not.
The Bad: Minnesota’s guard rotation
Rookie Jarrett Culver was inactive for Wednesday’s game against the Pelicans and the Timberwolves’ backcourt crumbled without him.
Jeff Teague moved back into the starting lineup for Minnesota, but he didn’t make the most of his opportunity, shooting 1-8 from the field. Josh Okogie was no better, going 1-7 from the field, including 1-5 from 3-point range.
If there’s an area the Timberwolves need to address at the trade deadline, it’s the point guard position.
The Ball
Lonzo Ball was able to contribute to the Pelicans’ win on Wednesday despite the fact that he was playing through a hip contusion. In 20:47, Ball contributed 10 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. He also posted a box plus-minus of +11 off the bench.
Ball and the Pelicans will be back at it on Friday to take on the Golden State Warriors. The Pelicans are now 7-22 on the season.