The New Orleans Pelicans snapped a seven-game losing streak on Thursday night, routing a short-handed Portland Trail Blazers 143-120 at Smoothie King Center behind a balanced offensive attack.
Jordan Poole returned from an 18-game absence due to a left quadriceps injury and led the Pelicans with 22 points, providing an instant boost in the backcourt.
Trey Murphy III scored 24 points, while Bryce McGowens tied a career high with 23 points, going a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc, helping New Orleans set a franchise record with 86 points in the paint.
Six Pelicans players scored 15 or more points, including rookies Jeremiah Fears (19) and Derik Queen (17), highlighting the team’s depth and balanced scoring.
The Pelicans built an early advantage, leading 39-30 after the first quarter and maintaining a double-digit lead through most of the second period.
Portland kept the game competitive with Shaedon Sharpe scoring 21 points and Sidy Cissoko adding 20, but the Trail Blazers, limited to just 10 available players, could not sustain the pace.
A key moment came just before halftime when Herb Jones was ejected after receiving two technical fouls, the first of his NBA career, on a contested call involving Deni Avdija, but New Orleans maintained composure to lead 70-68 at the break.
New Orleans dominated the second half, outscoring Portland 73-52 over the final two quarters with strong interior play and effective ball movement, preventing the Blazers from mounting a serious comeback.
The Pelicans shot 52% from the field overall, 38% from three-point range, and an impressive 88% from the free-throw line, while controlling the boards 57-41.
The win marked only the second for New Orleans since James Borrego took over as interim head coach, improving the Pelicans’ record to 4-22. Portland fell to 9-16, losing six of seven games and failing to capitalize on home-court advantages.
Next, the Pelicans will visit the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, while Portland hosts the Golden State Warriors in a chance to bounce back.
