In 2022, the New Orleans Pelicans took a pair of games against the top-seeded Phoenix Suns in their first-round playoff series.
In the Pelicans’ Games 2 and 4 wins, Brandon Ingram scored a respective 37 and 30 points. The Pelicans lost the series in six games, but Ingram’s playoff debut was impressive.
That hasn’t been the case in Ingram’s second go-around in the playoffs.
In the first three games of the Pelicans’ first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ingram has scored 12, 18 and 19 points, respectively. He is shooting 41.5% from the field, and he has as many turnovers (seven) as assists (seven).
“It’s tough,” Ingram said. “Especially when you expect more out of yourself. OKC, they have been game-planning. Trying to take me off the basketball. Trying to make me play off the basketball. Being physical. Sending different bodies at me.”
Being physical is an understatement, like saying Emeril Lagasse sometimes likes to use catchphrases. Thunder wing Luguentz Dort has practically lived inside Ingram’s jersey. Dort’s strength and ability to slide his feet has prevented Ingram from doing much besides chucking up contested midrange jumpers.
The stout 6-foot-4 Dort has refused to allow Ingram freedom of movement. Late in the first quarter of Saturday’s game, the Pelicans tried screening Dort to free Ingram up. Dort got over the screen and caused Ingram to pick up his dribble near half court. The end result: an Ingram turnover.
“Sometimes, Lu Dort is having pressure,” Ingram said. “When I cross the half-court line, he’s attached to my body every time.”
Two years ago, Ingram was primarily defended by Suns wings Jae Crowder and Torrey Craig. Dort is in a different class as a defender than those two.
Behind Dort, the Thunder also has one of the NBA’s best rim protectors as a last line of defense. Chet Holmgren, the 7-1 rookie who was the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft, averaged 2.3 blocks per game during the regular season. Holmgren swatted four shots in Game 3. He batted Ingram’s take inside off the backboard in the final minute of the first quarter.
“They were one of the top defensive teams in the league for a reason,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said. “All their guys are switchable. It kind of stagnates your offense at times. So, we just have to play faster. Be more mindful of taking care of the basketball.”
In late March, Ingram planted awkwardly on his left knee and had to be helped off the court. Ingram missed the next 12 games with a bone bruise. He returned in the Pelicans’ regular-season finale against the Lakers. Reintegrating him into the lineup in important games has not gone well. Ingram has scored more than 20 points once in his last six games.
Ingram said his his left knee injury has been a factor in him looking out of sorts.
“I felt like I’ve had spurts where I feel good,” Ingram said. “Not completely. I’m not happy with none of my performances from the playoffs. I don’t think I’m myself completely. I’m going to continue to push forward and try to find mine. But also, I can’t just worry about myself. I have to worry about my teammates. Put the ball on the money. If they are in rhythm, I’m sure they will find me.”
Ingram is averaging 16.3 points in the series. CJ McCollum, who is putting up 17.0 points on 37.9% shooting, hasn’t been any better. Unless the Pelicans can get more production from those two Monday in Game 4, it’s possible the Pelicans bow out of the playoffs without getting a single win.
“Getting some open looks,” Ingram said. “Just haven’t knocked them down yet. It’s demoralizing sometimes when we are not getting stops. Usually, we feed off our defense. Just have to find a rhythm.”