Pelicans Blaze Portland 127-94
New Orleans returned home and blazed through Portland to win 127-94. The win, coupled with the Spurs losing to the Timberwolves, moved the Pelicans with one wing from hosting the San Antonio in next week's Play-In Tournament.
The Pelicans jumped out to an early lead on the short-handed Blazers team, who appeared ready for a vacation in Cancun. New Orleans sprinted to a 13-point halftime lead that ballooned to 25 points at the end of the 3rd quarter. CJ McCollum led the way with 23 points and seven assists.
The Pels were without Brandon Ingram, who would miss the contest due to hamstring soreness. Hence, McCollum wasted no time scoring early and often against his old teammates. The team had a season-high 20 assists in the first half and finished with 31 using a great display of ball movement.
Apr 7, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Reggie Perry (10) battles for position against New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall (8) during the second quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans' defensive tone was encouraging going into the postseason. They held the Trail Blazers under 100 points and created 15 steals after posting 13 against Sacramento on Monday.
The standout play happened in the 2nd quarter when Herb Jones closed fast and blocked a 3-point shot into the frontcourt, gathered the ball, and laid it up on the other end. The fans erupted at Smoothie King Center. Jones tied the franchise's rookie record with 187 combined steals and blocks.
The Pelicans bench was also impressive as Willy Hernangomez finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Larry Nance Jr. had a good game with 12 points, and five rebounds — what was a team deficiency is slowly becoming a strength.
Apr 7, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) reacts to a play against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
Coach Willie Green said he "has been very pleased with the team's level of concentration lately, and he wants the team to continue that momentum." The Pelicans are 7-3 in their last ten games — their best ten-game stretch of the season.
The talk since their road trip was for New Orleans to control their destiny to host the Play-In Tournament. The Pels took their first step towards making it a reality Thursday night. Saturday, they travel to Memphis for a battle with the Grizzlies before the regular-season finale at home against the Golden State Warriors.
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