The New Orleans Pelicans, missing key starters due to injuries, faced a tough challenge Sunday night, ultimately falling to the Atlanta Hawks 126-111. Without Zion Williamson, who was a late scratch due to right hamstring tightness, the Pelicans turned to Brandon Ingram to lead the charge. Ingram delivered with 32 points, but the absence of teammates CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, and Dejounte Murray proved insurmountable.
Despite Ingram’s impressive scoring, New Orleans’ young lineup, including a notable 19-point performance from Jordan Hawkins, struggled to match the depth and energy of a hungry Hawks team eager to snap a four-game losing streak.
Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson led their offensive surge with 29 points, contributing to a decisive 14-0 run in the fourth quarter that sealed New Orleans‘ fate. The Pelicans were unable to contain the Hawks’ high-paced attack and were outscored 66-32 in the paint, a testament to their depleted front line.
While reserve efforts from Brandon Boston Jr. and Jamal Cain, who each contributed 14 points, highlighted the team’s hustle, it wasn’t enough to compensate for missing stars. The Pelicans will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.
