New Orleans has been one of the NBA’s best perimeter-shooting teams in January, but forward Brandon Ingram is known more for his accuracy from mid-range. In Wednesday’s homestand opener vs. Charlotte, the 2020 All-Star stretched his offensive game beyond the arc, equaling a career high by draining seven three-pointers. For good measure, the eighth-year pro also registered his third career triple-double, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists prior to sitting the final 2:32, with the Pelicans leading by a commanding margin. The Pelicans led nearly the entire way in their first home game following a 3-2 road trip against Western Conference foes. Up next is a Friday matchup vs. surging Phoenix and its big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Photos: Pelicans vs. Hornets | Game Action 1/17/24
1 / 60NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 17: Herb Jones #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans grabs a rebound during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 17, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
THREE POINTS
Record-setting barrage from three-point land.
NBA teams are commonly breaking shooting and scoring records these days. On Wednesday, it was New Orleans’ turn (again), establishing a franchise mark by draining 25 three-pointers (in 47 attempts). The existing team record (22) had been set exactly one month ago in a Dec. 17 blowout victory at San Antonio. In Wednesday’s eruption, four Pelicans canned at least four trifectas, led by Ingram’s seven long balls. New Orleans made nearly as many deep shots this time against Charlotte as it attempted (27, only hit nine) during the initial Dec. 15 meeting vs. the Hornets in North Carolina. Starting with a 17/34 performance on New Year’s Eve against the Lakers, the Pelicans have now made at least 40 percent of their three-point looks in eight of their last 10 games.
Jordan Hawkins in the rotation.
The 2023 NCAA champion and rookie from UConn appears to be cemented in Willie Green’s lineups. He’s responded in immense fashion to that elevation of role, pouring in 21 points Wednesday, including 6/9 three-point shooting. Two games prior to that, he connected for a career-high 34 points and was 6/12 from distance to help spark a shorthanded win at Dallas. “He’s confident, he’s got a quick release, he works on his craft,” guard CJ McCollum said of Hawkins. “He’s a smart basketball player, knows how to find open spaces, shoot when he’s open, and drive when he’s not.”
No letdown, no letup.
NBA teams sometimes come out flat in the first home game after a long road trip, but the Pelicans racked up 43 first-quarter points Wednesday and seemed energized to be back on the Smoothie King Center hardwood. Beyond the team’s overall three-point prowess, New Orleans reserves Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr. and Naji Marshall provided their usual dose of hustle plays, often beating Charlotte to a rebound or loose ball. Zion Williamson delivered a major no-stat-for-it highlight by stopping Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball one-on-one defensively on a second-half possession, leading to a shot-clock violation that caused a raucous reaction from 16,000-plus fans.
BY THE NUMBERS
12-1: New Orleans record this season when it sinks 14 or more three-pointers in a game. The only defeat was vs. Dallas (17 threes) on Nov. 12.
43.3: Charlotte shooting percentage from the field. The Hornets kept their offense in decent shape, however, due to their own 19/45 accuracy from three-point range, which is 42 percent.
8-2: New Orleans record against the Eastern Conference this season. The only losses were vs. Atlanta (Nov. 4) and at Chicago (Dec. 2).
