With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram both sidelined for the night, the Pelicans’ depth showed through as they picked up a big road win in Indianapolis, 124-117.
The Good: The win
Considering the circumstances surrounding the team’s playoff hopes along with Ingram and Williamson being unavailable, it’s not a stretch to call this one of the bigger wins of the season for New Orleans.
Jrue Holiday was controlling in the fourth. JJ Redick was unconscious in the first half. Ten players scored on the night. The Pelicans bench outscored the Pacers’ bench 45-26. New Orleans only lost the turnover battle by one.
It was as good as a performance as the team could have asked for on the night.
The Bad: Nothing!
Not to overstate things but it’s hard to find a negative in this performance. The Pelicans move to 4.5 games back of Memphis for the eighth seed. The win now also sets up a huge game against the Blazers on Tuesday with Portland currently the ninth seed and one game ahead of New Orleans.
The Ball: Non three-point scoring
Much of Lonzo Ball’s scoring in his career has come from the three-point line, though that has changed more and more as this season has gone on. On Saturday, only three of his 15 points came from behind the arc as he got to the rim and hit mid-range jumpers all night.
He also finished with seven assists and five rebounds.
