The New Orleans Pelicans are one game away from elimination against the Phoenix Suns. Getting trounced by the defending Western Conference Champs was an expectation rather than a surprise given the 1 vs. 8 matchup.

No one would have been surprised had they been swept clean in the series. And yet the young, feisty Pelicans had other plans as they've shown some real fight throughout the first five games against the top-seeded Suns.

Yes, Devin Booker has missed a handful of games due to a hamstring injury. But New Orleans has operated without their own franchise player in Zion Williamson all season. While the team won't reach its full potential without their highly-touted top pick, there's now a lot to be excited about if you're a Pelicans fan, whether or not they eventually do bow out against the Suns.

Here are three (3) non-Zion Williamson reasons to be excited for the Pelicans.

The Brandon Ingram breakout

Brandon Ingram has finally been invited to the playoff party and he sure has made the most of it. The Pelicans star had missed the playoffs in every year of his career until now, sitting out during his first three seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and the last two with the Pels. His stellar play has arguably been the most exciting part of the playoffs for Pels fans.

Brandon Ingram has averaged 28.2 points, on a stellar 48.5% shooting clip from the field. Both marks are well above his regular season output. BI has managed to step up when his team needs him most. He piled on three straight 30-point games from Game 2 to 4, the first time that's been done in franchise history.

But beyond the numbers, it's the eye test that should have the Pelicans faithful the most excited. Ingram has shown flashes of having that killer instinct, making tough buckets when his teams badly needs it and perfecting the art of the midrange despite being the primary defensive target for the Suns. BI can be your team's go-to scorer when the games matter and he'll only get more comfortable with more games under his belt.

Rookie Revolution

Among the Pelicans' six most active players through their first five playoff games, two of them are rookies. Those rookies, Herbert Jones and Jose Alvarado, have become an integral part of New Orleans' success.

Jones has quickly built his reputation as one of the most vaunted defenders in the NBA and that has manifested itself in these playoffs as well. Jose Alvarado has brought the energy and hustle off the bench for the Pelicans, initiating key runs and making big plays on both ends of the ball for New Orleans.

While Jones and Alvarado are still in their first year of NBA action, they entered the league in their age-23 seasons and have shown the poise of grizzled veterans who have been there before. Add deadeye sharpshooter Trey Murphy III to the mix of freshman talents and the Pelicans have a young supporting cast that wants to play together and can only get better over time.

The Pelicans have an identity

New Orleans has always had the talent. After they made the Anthony Davis trade and drafted Zion Williamson back in 2019, their roster has been filled with players capable of fielding a competitive team. Brandon Ingram was an All-Star in his first season with the Pelicans. Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball were both on the roster, forming a lethal defensive backcourt. They've also had some solid vets such as Steven Adams, Josh Hart, and JJ Redick during those years.

But what they sorely lacked was an identity and a sense of togetherness. They've slowly built that now with this current group of players.

Jonas Valanciunas and Larry Nance Jr. have provided a strong presence at the center position. Both are rugged, highly-productive big men who do their jobs extremely well. The CJ McCollum acquisition has paid dividends on the basketball court, but also added a veteran leader capable of steering the team the right way.

With Brandon Ingram playing like a true star coupled with an emerging young supporting cast and a newfound culture brewing in New Orleans, there's a lot to be excited about. Add Zion Williamson to the mix next season and the sky is the limit for the Pelicans.