The Pelicans are just six games in the 2020-21 season, but New Orleans guard Eric Bledsoe already has a favorite in the MVP race — his teammate, forward Brandon Ingram.
“I know it’s early but all I can say is MVP,” Bledsoe said said after the Pelicans’ 120-116 against the Toronto Raptors Saturday night.
Bledsoe wasn’t the only one starting the MVP campaign for Ingram as he drew “MVP” chants from the few fans in attendance Saturday night.
Ingram lead the Pelicans with 31 points including several late free throw that helped New Orleans seal its fourth win of the year.
“I think the referee’s showed a lot of love tonight I think they bailed me out in a couple of them in the game,” Ingram joked.
The NBA’s reigning Most Improved player had a game-high 11 makes at the free-throw line with seven of those coming the fourth quarter. The Pelicans have leaned on Ingram earlier this season and he’s rewarded them.
Ingram’s averaging 22.6 points, seven rebounds and 5.6 assists per game and has proven to be a go-to player in key situations for New Orleans.
“With his size and skill, his ability to get a shots pretty much on his own, and his ability to make free throws, it makes him a guy that you want to go to,” Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy said.
Ingram said he’s enjoying the challenge of being the the guy the Pelicans turn to in key situations.
“It’s on me to deliver,” he said. “Whether its me taking the shot or making the right pass…It all trickles down. An definitely I just think about at the end of the game just making the best plays that I can make.
Ingram also said he appreciated the support from both Pelicans fans and his teammates.
“Its giving me confidence as well and I just want to continue to keep it up,” he said.
