OKC Thunder: 3 keys to victory in rematch vs New Orleans Pelicans

OKC Thunder key No. 3: Make Ingram work on defense

In the first meeting between the clubs, Brandon Ingram was in line to post some huge numbers but his night ended early. With three minutes remaining In the third quarter, Ingram tried to block Isaiah Roby but caught him across the head. There was no intent on Ingram’s part he simply mistimed his block but the league takes any hit to the head seriously and subsequent the reigning Most Improved Player was ejected via a flagrant foul.

Prior to his ejection, Ingram produced 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and a block. The young star was shooting 50 percent from the field and had also connected on two 3-pointers.

The Pelicans backcourt was also highly effective as Eric Bledsoe registered 17 points, three rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Likewise, Lonzo Ball offered 16 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, and a steal.

Both were aggressive particularly on defense limiting each of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (3 of 10), George Hill (3 of 7), and Luguentz Dort (3 of 8) to eight points each.

Of the starters, Darius Bazley gets a bit of a pass since he had to spend so much time trying to keep Ingram in check which is no easy task.

For this second match against the Pelicans, it’s essential the team puts pressure on Bledsoe and Ball. Yet, the even more important task is to force Ingram to work on both sides of the court which Bazley being the youngster most suited for that challenge.

It’s unrealistic to suggest locking him down (this kid is on his way to superstardom) but by forcing him to be actively engaged on both sides of the ball there is more opportunity to tire him or get him in foul trouble.