On March 24, Beijing time, the Pelicans beat the Hornets 115-96 at home, and Ingram was in excellent form, banging 30 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for a triple-double. Valanciunas had 20 points and 19 rebounds. McCollum had 20 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists. The Pelicans' fighting power is recovering, they have won three straight games, and the team's record is 36-37, the same as the Lakers. Competition for places in the Western Conference playoffs and playoffs has intensified.
Ingram performed miracles as he was the third player in Pelicans history to record a 30+ triple-double, the first two being Paul (2) and Cousins (1). At the same time, this triple-double is also the first time in nearly two years that a player has scored a triple-double for the Pelicans since Ronzo Ball cut a triple-double on April 29, 2021. Ingram also became the second player to post a triple-double with zero turnovers this season, along with Jokic.
Towards the end of the regular season, teams sprinted for playoff and playoff spots. The Pelicans are now back to their best form and can keep winning without Zion.
The Pelicans are in much the same situation as they were in the second half of last season, when Zion was out for a long time and the Pelicans made the playoffs strong. Zion returned this season as the team's leading scorer, and Ingram's form was affected by injuries. Zion was injured and Ingram made a comeback, but he struggled to find form.
The Pelicans' record slipped from the top four in the West to outside the top ten in the West. But fortunately, the Pelicans are now back in shape. Ingram found the feel of last season. Ingram has been in very good form for the last three games. In a March 20 win over the Rockets, Ingram had 26 points, 2 rebounds and 9 assists.
In a March 22 win over the Spurs, Ingram had 32 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists. In a March 24 victory over the Hornets, Ingram had 30 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
The Pelicans currently rank 11th in the West, the Lakers should be nervous, the competition is too fierce now, and the win or loss of 1 game is related to several places. The Lakers can't let up.
Of course, the Pelicans have no easy schedule, and next up is to play the Clippers, which are again a contender for a playoff spot.