The New Orleans Pelicans, who clinched the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, put up a resilient performance against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder during their series opener on Sunday, April 21, at the Paycom Center.
Despite missing their best player, Zion Williamson, due to injury, the Pelicans kept the game close, ultimately losing by just one bucket, 94-92.
Brandon Ingram was expected to shoulder the offensive load in Williamson's absence. However, the 26-year-old struggled from the field throughout the game, scoring just 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting.
When asked if there was a plan to free up Ingram to make the game easier on him, Pelicans head coach Willie Green responded bluntly.
"It's not about what we need to do to free up BI. This is gonna be playoff basketball. He's gotta to continue to play through it, have some gamesmanship out there, gotta go to the FT line a bit more... Continue to play with force, play with speed and get quality looks," the 42-year-old tactician told the media during the post-game interview.
Ingram was particularly challenged by Lu Dort, who is considered by some to be one of the premier defenders in the league.
The Pelicans had a chance to win the game
The Pelicans remained competitive throughout the game, with the outcome coming down to the wire.
Pelicans guard CJ McCollum faced intense defensive pressure from rookie Cason Wallace, who disrupted his dribble.
The 32-year-old managed to keep possession of the ball but was forced into an awkward three-pointer for the potential game-winner, which unfortunately did not find its mark.
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