On April 27, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA playoffs were in full swing. In a just-concluded Battle of The Western Focus, the Pelicans lost to the Suns 97:112 on the road, trailed the Suns 2-3 in the series, and the Pelicans would be eliminated if they lost one more game!
The Pelicans' loss today is directly related to the sluggish play of star Ingram. In the whole game, Ingram played 41 minutes, only 7 of 19 shots, including 1 of 5 three-pointers, 7 of 11 free throws, and only 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, plus and 5 turnovers, plus or minus -16 the worst on the team! It should be known that in the previous 3 games, Ingram has cut 30+, and today his momentum was ended.
It is worth mentioning that in the key final quarter of the showdown, Ingram only shot 0 of 4, even the free throws were only 3 of 1, and only 1 point and 1 rebound in the final quarter, failing to help the team at key moments. The reason why Ingram did not play well was related to his injury in the game.
In the final moments of the final quarter, during an offensive round, Ingram was suspected of suffering a hand injury while holding the ball, and then lost the ball and was countered by the Suns. It can be seen that Ingram's movement is very unnatural, obviously affected by a hand injury.
In a subsequent timeout, Ingram slammed a mineral water bottle on the bench, seemingly venting his displeasure with his injury. After returning to the court, Ingram and McCollum deflected three consecutive points, and the Pelicans had no choice but to lose the game.