The New Orleans Pelicans, fueled by Brandon Ingram‘s impressive first-quarter performance, decisively beat the Indiana Pacers 129-102, rebounding strongly from a previous loss during Fridays’ NBA action.
Ingram was instrumental, scoring 19 of his 34 points in the opening quarter, which saw the Pelicans tie a franchise record with a 48-point start, the team’s highest-scoring first quarter ever.
“I don’t know how to describe it,” Ingram said. “I (saw) some shots go in, and I just kept shooting it. It felt good coming off my fingertips. I had space to operate a little bit and got to my mid-range. I just felt good with the ball in my hand.”
This remarkable quarter also set a season-high for field-goal percentage, with the Pelicans shooting an astounding 90.9% from the field, marking the highest in a first quarter since a Dallas game in 2014.
“B.I. was incredible,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said. “It was just fun to watch him play with that force, with that pace, with the confidence that he had on the floor. His teammates all rallied behind him. Collectively, it was a great rebound game for us … to come home, get a little rest, and get this win.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers Updates
Trey Murphy III also shone brightly, adding 28 points and showcasing his versatility and determination to bounce back after recent struggles.
“It’s just knowing that I’m a complete basketball player,” Murphy said. “I don’t want to be a one-trick pony. I want to make sure I have a lot of different facets to my game. I knew (my shooting) eventually was going to come back. You put the work in and trust your work, and you’re going to get to where you’re supposed to be.”
The Pelicans’ early offensive explosion set a tone that the Pacers, despite efforts, could not counter, with Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledging the insurmountable challenge posed by New Orleans’ historic first quarter.
“The Pelicans put up historic numbers, and we did not get a defensive rebound (in the first quarter),” Carlisle said. “I have not heard of that happening.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers Updates
In addition to their offensive prowess, the Pelicans demonstrated a strong defensive effort, effectively containing the Pacers’ offense and specifically neutralizing All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, thanks to Herb Jones’ exceptional defense.
“That’s Herb Jones,” Ingram said. “He told me he didn’t want me to switch at all today. He wanted to keep his matchup. He took it personal. A lot of credit to him and his defense.”
The Pelicans’ victory not only showcased their potential but also their ability to bounce back and make a statement against one of the NBA’s high-scoring teams.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers Updates
As both teams look ahead, the Pacers are set to face the San Antonio Spurs, while the Pelicans prepare for a matchup against the Toronto Raptors, both seeking to build on their respective performances.
