The Pelicans knew what was at stake when going against the Kings tonight. Determined to get to Las Vegas, Brandon Ingram led New Orleans to victory over Sacramento. The Kings lost to the Pelicans with a 117-127 score. A full 10-point difference, right there. Though we have seen teams close a 20-point deficit, Williamson, Ingram, and Herbert Jones were too much for them.

Despite missing two players from both teams, it’s fair to say that they put up a great fight. After all, this matchup is one that brought out the best in players. Let’s take a look at what made this extra special!

1. Brandon Ingram Goes off on Zion Williamson’s quiet night

Brandon Ingram showed another glimpse of what he was capable of. Leading the scoreboard with 30 points, he also had eight rebounds and six assists. Zion Williamson, on the other hand, had a relatively quiet night. Playing for 28 minutes, he contributed 10 points, with 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

Nonetheless, Ingram has definitely benefited since Williamson arrived. Having tried different partners to form a two-team duo, the Pelicans had to watch all of them failing to establish a connection. But when a rookie Zion entered, Brandon and Williamson immediately hit it off.

The result is Ingram’s steady performance. And for special occasions like tonight, incredible leadership and presence of mind. Not to mention Herb Jones’ brilliant gameplay on both ends.

2. The Valanciunas-Williamson twin attack sandwiched Sabonis’ great night

Domantas Sabonis had a pretty neat night as compared to how the Kings fared. Landing a triple-double with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, the Lithuanian-American player was the silver lining. Even so, Jonas Valanciunas and Zion Williamson managed to overshadow the 27-year-old forward.

With a double-double of his own, the defensive big man gave Sabonis a run for his money. With an agility that the 3x All-Star couldn’t keep up with, Jonas exposed him on defense. While this was happening, Williamson came from the offensive side to overpower him.

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Both of them went for a physical play against the 240-pound Gonzaga product. Clearly, he was no match to hold off against a 284-pound Zion and 265-pound Valanciunas.

3. What’s next for Pelicans?

The Crescent City is keen to see who they’ll face in the Semi-Finals. They will either have to tackle the top-seeded Lakers or the fourth-seeded Suns. Whatever the result, the semis are only going to be tougher. This move also meant another $50,000 for every player on the roster.

New Orleans had already received $50,000 for advancing to the quarterfinals. The prize will keep growing. And it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to say that it isn’t a motivational factor. Probably one of the major reasons. Tuesday’s winner will decide who the Pelicans’ opponents are going to be.

Who do you think will advance to the semi-finals on Tuesday? Can the Pelicans handle either one of them?

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