New Orleans Pelicans blow out Toronto Raptors behind dominant Brandon Ingram performance

Brandon Ingram dominated in tonight’s game, as his play helped the New Orleans Pelicans torch the Toronto Raptors 138-100 at Smoothie King Center.

Ingram has been having another stellar season with the Pelicans, averaging 21.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. B.I. was the main piece in the Anthony Davis trade back in 2019 and he’s excelled in his 5 years in New Orleans. At just 26 years old, the former 2nd overall pick already made an All-Star appearance and won Most Improved Player, and things are continuing to look up. A dynamic duo between him and former 1st overall pick Zion Williamson can be elite at times, and the future of the Pelicans will depend on the health and growth of these 2 players.

The small forward led the way with 41 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists on 76% shooting. CJ McCollum had 20 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals while Zion Williamson finished with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists.

For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes ended with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. Jakob Poeltl had 14 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks while Gradey Dick scored 22 points off the bench.

This win improves the Pelicans to 29-21, which makes them 7th in the Western Conference. They are currently tied with the 6th seeded Phoenix Suns, so the race to make a top 6 seed and avoid the play-in tournament will be tight these last few months of the regular season. New Orleans is 5-5 over their last 10 games and currently on a 3-game winning streak. Their next game will be on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Meanwhile, this loss drops the Raptors to 17-33, which makes them 12th in the Eastern Conference. Toronto is 2-8 over their last 10 games and currently on a 3-game losing streak. Their next game will be on Wednesday night against the Charlotte Hornets.