Brandon Ingram Struggles in Return, New Orleans Pelicans Fall to Minnesota Timberwolves

The New Orleans Pelicans didn't get much out of their star Brandon Ingram in his long-awaited return. The one-time All Star hit a mere four of his 18 field goal attempts for 13 points in a 111-102 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Final stats of the night.

C. McCollum 25 pts, 8ast, 5 reb, 2 blk
J. Valanciunas 15 pts, 12 reb, 1 blk
B. Ingram 13 pts, 5 ast, 5 reb, 1 stl
D. Graham 12 pts, 2 ast, 1 reb, 1 stl#Pelicans | @FDSportsbook pic.twitter.com/kFGQG8WyEz
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 26, 2023

Ingram also added five rebounds and five assists but failed to hit any of his six three-point attempts. It was his first game since a November 25th, 2022, 132-111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and only his 16th appearance of the year. He played 25:39 minutes.

The Pelicans are 26-23 and fourth in the Western Conference. Before his injury, Ingram averaged a solid 20.8 points per game on .472 shooting. Once he gets his feet back under him, the Pelicans will have a chance to establish themselves as a true contender in the NBA. Ingram's teammates Zion Williamson and C.J. McCollum have combined for 47.2 points per game.

The Pelicans host the Washington Wizards on Saturday in the first game of a back-to-back. They'll travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Sunday.