The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 119-100 at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night, taking full advantage of a diminished roster.
The Blazers took control right away, winning the opening quarter 40–24 and leading 75–42 at the half. They set season highs with 68.9% shooting and 75 points in the first half.
Despite winning the third quarter 34–23, the Pelicans never threatened to win this one again.
Moving forward The Blazers were led by Deni Avdija, who scored 26 points on 10 of 17 shots. Anfernee Simons scored 17 points on 7 of 11 shots, while Shaedon Sharpe scored 21 points on 8 of 13 shots.
Overall, the Blazers scored 62 points in the paint compared to the Pelicans’ 44, shooting 54.5% from the floor, which is their third-highest percentage this season.
When injuries started to pile up, New Orleans’ season was prematurely ended.
After missing 30 games due to a hamstring injury, forward Zion Williamson made a comeback to the floor during Tuesday’s loss to Minnesota, but he did not play against the Blazers. Additionally absent were guard Trey Murphy III (ankle sprain), who has missed 15 games, and forward Bandon Ingram (ankle sprain), who has missed 20 games.
Dejounte Murry and CJ McCollum were left to lead the Pelicans’ offensive effort, and they hadn’t made any shots against the Blazers.
Murray added 20 points, and McCollum scored 23. They had a 58.1% field goal percentage of 18 of 31. The remaining team members made 22 of 59 shots, or 37.3%.
IMPORTANCE OF IT
The Blazers (13-23) won their season series against the Pelicans 3-1 and improved to 2-2 on their trip. The Western Conference’s last team is New Orleans (7-31).
This season, the Blazers have only held opponents to 100 points or fewer four times. With 119 points, the team is in sixth place. The first ranking is the margin of victory. The Blazers’ home victory over Minnesota on November 12 (122-010) was the previous high.
Williams enters, CLINGAN exits
After missing three games, reserve center Robert Williams III played, while rookie center Donovan Clingan rested. In 16 minutes of play, he pulled down six rebounds and scored four points.
Billups stated that he is simply a difference maker. He is. His instincts and sense of the game are at a very high level. He has an exceptionally high IQ.
UPCOMING
The Blazers visit the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday at 5 p.m.
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Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
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