In an intense showdown between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their playoff series, it was apparent that Brandon Ingram had a difficult night. The Pelicans' forward struggled to find his rhythm, while Lu Dort of the Thunder showcased his defensive prowess, causing problems for Ingram throughout the game.

The Pelicans had an opportunity to steal Game 1 from the top-seeded Thunder, but a critical sequence of missed shots, including a rushed and ill-timed fadeaway three-pointer from Ingram, ultimately cost them the game. Ingram finished with only 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting, far below what was expected of him in such a crucial matchup.

To make matters worse, the absence of Zion Williamson, sidelined due to a hamstring injury, has put additional pressure on Ingram to perform as the team's primary scorer. The Pelicans need him to step up, particularly in a series where points are expected to be hard-fought.

Ingram's struggles were partly due to the suffocating defense of Lu Dort. Known as one of the NBA's elite defenders, Dort hounded Ingram throughout the game with physicality and an unwavering presence. He denied Ingram easy touches, constantly contested shots, and disrupted his rhythm.

Ingram acknowledged Dort's impact on the game, recognizing his physicality and defensive skills. The Pelicans forward emphasized the need to be more in control and make better plays, regardless of the physical challenges he faced.

Despite coming off a recent injury, Ingram needs to regain his rhythm and comfort on the court quickly. The Pelicans cannot afford to wait for his recovery, as they need him to perform at his best to have a chance at success in the series.

Looking ahead to Game 2, the Pelicans may need to adjust their offensive strategy to counter Dort's tenacious defense. Taking inspiration from a previous matchup where Ingram scored 34 points against Dort and the Thunder, New Orleans could try to get him on the move more often, utilizing screens and pick-and-roll actions to create openings.

Pelicans coach Willie Green acknowledged the physicality of the playoffs and encouraged Ingram to play through it, emphasizing the importance of getting to the free-throw line and displaying gamesmanship. The team needs Ingram to respond to Dort's challenges with resilience and determination.

As the Pelicans prepare for Game 2, Ingram remains confident in his ability to rise to the occasion. Despite facing Dort's physicality, he is determined to overcome the challenges and contribute significantly to his team's success.

The next two days will be filled with analysis and speculation about how the Pelicans will respond to Dort's defensive prowess. Ingram must remain focused and ignore the noise, channeling his energy into delivering a strong performance in Game 2.

The Pelicans need the real Brandon Ingram to step up and make his mark on this series. Only time will tell if he can bounce back and lead his team to victory against the tough and determined Thunder.