On Thursday night, 24 hours ahead of their play-in game against the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum sent a motivational text to all of his teammates. The one problem? Forward Brandon Ingram never received it. Following the Pelicans’ 105-98 victory, Ingram joined the NBA on TNT crew to discuss the big win, and he was promptly asked about McCollum’s text.
Ernie Johnson, one of the hosts, inquired, “What was the message — I understand CJ McCollum put out a text to everybody on the team last night — what was his message going into this game?”
Ernie: “I understand CJ McCollum put out a text to everybody on the team last night. What was his message going into this game?”
BI: “Honestly, I don't know. I ain't looked at my phone the last three or four days. I was just locked in." 😤 pic.twitter.com/qQ9dlzBgRy
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 20, 2024
Brandon Ingram, with a stone-faced expression, responded, “Honestly, I don’t know. I ain’t looked at my phone the last three or four days. I was just locked into winning the basketball game, thinking about the details of the basketball game. And, you know, just being aggressive.”
Brandon Ingram guides his team to victory
Although the Pelicans were slightly favored entering the game, many doubted they’d be able to pull off the key win without their leading scorer, Zion Williamson. Ingram took that to heart and locked in — so much so that he ignored all calls and texts, including McCollum’s. Ingram led the way on Friday night with 24 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Meanwhile, McCollum was limited to one motivational text and just seven points.
It seems Brandon Ingram’s laser focus on the game led him to miss CJ McCollum’s text message. Sometimes, even in the world of professional sports, priorities can be crystal clear. A sportsman always needs to stay focused and when going into a game as big as this, it needs some special preparations. If Brandon Ingram could continue with this type of laser-sharp focus and determination then he can surely be among the greats in the NBA.
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