Pelicans rout Raptors behind 41-point outburst by Ingram

In a game the New Orleans Pelicans expected to win against the Toronto Raptors, one of the worst teams in the NBA at 17-32 overall and 7-19 on the road, things went as expected. The Raptors have already given up on the season, trading away star Pascal Siakam in a three-way trade with the Pacers and Pelicans.

Additionally, the Raptors were playing the second of back-to-back games on the road.

The Pelicans took care of business Monday night, crushing the Raptors 138-100 at Smoothie King Center.

It was the Brandon Ingram show.

Ingram, who has had a solid but not outstanding season, looked the part of a true star.

Known for his deadly mid-range game, Ingram expanded his game and extended his range, going off from 3-point range.

Ingram did it in three quarters as he and other stars, including Zion Williamson, sat out the fourth quarter in a blowout win.

Ingram scored 20 points in the third quarter, making 6-of-8 from three-point range in an amazing exhibition. The six 3-pointers were the a franchise record in a single quarter.

Ingram finished 8-of-11 from 3-point range in a 41-point performance, the most points scored by any Pelicans player this season. He finished 16-of-21 from the field overall with nine assists and six rebounds.

New Orleans shot 51 percent from the field and 42 percent from 3-point range. New Orleans was a perfect 13-of-13 from the free throw line.

The Pelicans won the battle of the boards 51-39. The Pelicans had 36 assists on 53-made shots and committed just seven turnovers while New Orleans scored 30 points off 18 Toronto turnovers.

CJ McCollum scored 20 points with six rebounds while Williamson had 16 points and five assists. Jose Alvarado scored 11 points, Jonas Valanciunas had 10 points and 12 rebounds and Trey Murphy III scored 10 points.

Herb Jones and Larry Nance Jr. were able to play so the Pelicans are at full strength.

It was a game the Pelicans simply had to win.

For the most part, New Orleans has beaten the teams it is supposed to beat.

Now, the trick is to beat a better team.

The Los Angeles Clippers are 33-15, winners of three straight, and just a game out of the Western Conference lead. The Clippers came to New Orleans and whipped the Pelicans 111-95 on Jan. 5, dominating the game and dominating physically.

Now 29-21, the Pelicans are eight games over .500 for the first time this season. New Orleans opens a four-game Mardi Gras road trip Wednesday night in Los Angeles against the Clippers.