The New Orleans Pelicans, led by Brandon Ingram’s season-best 40 points, dominated the Washington Wizards with a 144-122 win during Wednesday’s NBA action.
This victory marked the Pelicans’ highest-scoring game this season, even more impressive as they played without Zion Williamson due to his ankle injury.
Trey Murphy III was a standout performer, sinking six 3-pointers and contributing 27 points. Jonas Valanciunas was a force under the basket, securing 18 rebounds and adding 16 points, while CJ McCollum bolstered the offense with 22 points. The team’s combined shooting efficiency was remarkable, with Ingram, Murphy, Valanciunas, and McCollum hitting over 62% of their shots.
“We’ve got a lot of guys on the team who can put the ball in the basket and contribute to winning basketball,” Murphy said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards Updates
Pelicans coach Willie Green emphasized the collective effort and the challenge of winning in the NBA. Despite a slow start, the team rallied, showcasing their depth and resilience.
“For us, it’s really about, no matter who we play, having an understanding that it’s tough to win basketball games in the NBA,” Green said. “We wanted to start the game right. We didn’t, but we got it going and then it’s about finishing play after play.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards Updates
Williamson’s status remains day-to-day following his injury in a previous game against Minnesota. Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 27 points, but the team struggled, especially defensively, allowing over 140 points for the second game in a row. This loss added to the Wizards’ struggling season, marking their 20th in 23 games, a low point not seen since the 2012-13 season.
Rookie Bilal Coulibaly also shone for Washington, hitting four 3-pointers and scoring 16 points, showing promise in his long-range shooting.
“I think it’s something that he has worked on quite a bit,” Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. said. “To see him just let it fly, find a rhythm, I think that’s positive.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards Updates
The game was a tale of two halves, with the Pelicans overcoming an early deficit to take control by the middle of the second quarter. A 22-4 run, highlighted by Murphy’s impressive shooting, was part of a high-scoring second quarter for New Orleans. Coach Green praised Murphy’s shooting range and confidence.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will face Charlotte Hornets next, while the Wizards will host the Indiana Pacers.
