Brandon Ingram dazzled with 22 points and an impressive four blocks, while Trey Murphy III contributed a solid 20 points to the Pelicans’ efforts.
In a thrilling game, CJ McCollum led the charge with 30 points, and Zion Williamson added a powerful double-double of 26 points and 10 rebounds. This teamwork propelled the New Orleans Pelicans to a 126-107 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The win marked their sixth in the last seven games, showcasing their formidable form.
The Pelicans showcased their shooting prowess, hitting 53.6% of their shots (52 out of 97) and taking control in the fourth quarter to secure the win. McCollum was on fire from beyond the arc, sinking six of the team’s 13 three-pointers, while Murphy added four more to the tally.
This victory brought the Pelicans closer to the top of the Western Conference standings, placing them just 1.5 games behind the Los Angeles Clippers.
On the opposing side, Portland’s guard Dalano Banton stood out with 28 points, continuing his streak of high-scoring games. Anfernee Simmons and Deandre Ayton also made significant contributions with 25 and 20 points, respectively, as the Blazers shot an impressive 50% from the field.
The Pelicans faced challenges with the absence of defensive leader Herb Jones and reserve forward Larry Nance Jr., both sidelined due to injuries and illness. Jones’ absence, in particular, was felt throughout the game.
The first half was a high-scoring affair, with both teams shooting over 63%. Williamson and Banton each scored 20 points, with Williamson’s performance highlighted by explosive drives and alley-oop finishes.
One of the game’s highlights came just before halftime when Williamson completed an off-balance layup from an Ingram lob, giving the Pelicans a 73-68 lead.
Looking ahead, the Trail Blazers are set to visit Chicago, while the Pelicans will travel to Brooklyn for their next games.
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