Pelicans star Brandon Ingram posted a triple-double for the first time in his seven-year career Thursday night in the team’s 115-96 win over the Hornets.
Joining Chris Paul and DeMarcus Cousins as the franchise’s only three players to put up a 30-point triple-double, Ingram had 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists helping New Orleans move to 36-37 on the season and just one game out of play-in position.
“I think it speaks to his maturity through this process. He understands that he’s going to have the ball in his hands at times,” Pelicans head coach Willie Green said of Ingram’s historic night. “He’s doing a great job of setting the tone, passing to his teammates, getting guys open and rebounding, and has been huge for us. He’s doing that and then we all know he can score at any moment. So, on all three levels tonight, he was fantastic.”
All in all, New Orleans dominated Charlotte in every facet of the game. For the 24th time this season, the Pelicans scored over 60 points in the paint. Additionally, New Orleans outrebounded Charlotte 52-38 – including 11 offensive boards – which led to them outscoring the Hornets 19-7 in second chance points.
Jonas Valanciunas posted his 38th double-double of the season with 20 points and a season-high 19 rebounds. CJ McCollum added 20 points on the way to passing David Wesley for 13th on the Pelicans all-time three-pointers list.
Next up for New Orleans will be a Saturday night matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers (39-35) at 9:30 p.m. CST.
