But performing during the Play-In Championship and the first round of the NBA Playoffs, Ingram is one of the league’s rising stars. Given the circumstances, Ingram raised his play and his team to unimaginable heights.
Ingram headed to the season with something to prove. He began his campaign at the Pelicans in 2019 when he became an All-Star for the first time, won the Most Improved Player award, and averaged 23.8 points per game. He then signed a 5-year contract extension worth $158 million.
Expectations were high the following season, paired with Zion Williamson. Will the Pelicans be in the playoffs? That didn’t materialize, and the Pelicans once again headed off the season with more questions than answers.
March 2, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) responded to a play during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
These questions grew louder when the Pelicans started season 3-16 with a junior coach (his third coach in 3 seasons). Compounding the dilemma of a terrible start to the season, Zion Williamson was missing out, and the season seemed unsalvageable.
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How will Ingram respond?
First, he and newly acquired CJ McCollum led the team to the Play-In Championship.
Ingram was great during the home extension of the season when the Pelicans needed to win the Play-In Games. In recent weeks, the Lakers’ major games have been the two biggest games of the season. In those decisive wins, Ingram averaged 27.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and six assists and saved his best when the lights were brighter.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) while driving the basket in the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
The Pelicans were in a win or go home scenario, and Ingram was the main catalyst for the Pelicans’ advance.
In the Tottenham match, Ingram scored 27 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made five assists. He went on with 30 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists on the road against the Clippers to advance the Pelicans to the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2018. Then Ingram upped his game more on the bigger stage.
Appearing in his first playoff streak, Ingram averaged 27 points, six rebounds, and six assists in six games versus the conference title holders Phoenix Suns. He became the first Pelicans player to score at least 30 points in three consecutive games. His performance caught the attention of the national media. Suddenly, Ingram was in the headlines of conversations among the top NBAs.
He answered every skeptic about his ability to lead a team and be a successful player. Ingram’s season has proven right now, as the Cheers song says, “Everyone knows his name.”