A key starter and reserve were sidelined Saturday for New Orleans, but the team’s four biggest offensive weapons were all available — and very productive. It was enough to finally pull away from a plucky Portland team in the fourth quarter, after three very competitive first periods. CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Trey Murphy each topped 20 points, leading the Pelicans to their second win over a Western Conference opponent in as many nights. New Orleans’ 15th win in its last 20 games pushed the hosts to 15 games above .500, the first time the franchise has been this far above break-even since changing its name to the Pelicans name in 2013-14. They need to go 9-6 or better over the final 15 games to capture the second 50-win campaign in team history.
Four = 98.
McCollum led the Pelicans with 30 points, coming off a recent stretch of below-average shooting from him. Williamson dominated the first half, finishing with 26, while Ingram and Murphy scored 22 and 20, respectively, making the quartet 98 points. As a group, they were efficient 40/71 from the field, as well as 11/25 from three-point range and 7/8 from the foul line.
Zion rolls.
Saturday was Williamson’s fifth straight game with 20+ points, the first time he had such a streak since he did so in November (although there were two DNPs for him in the middle of that). seven-game period in New Orleans). “Frankly, whatever he decides to do on the field, when he’s right (physically), he can do it,” described Willie Green of the two-time All-Star who continues to trend toward 100 percent in all games. sense.
A different look.
Along with Herb Jones and Larry Nance Jr., both rare DNPs, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Jordan Hawkins have joined Willie Green’s rotation for the first time in a long time. Green then praised Robinson-Earl, praising the replacement for a six-point, six-rebound outing in 21 minutes of action. Fellow reserves Naji Marshall and Jose Alvarado helped provide their usual energy and combined for 18 points and three steals.
39: Portland points in the second half. The Pelicans did a much better job defensively late in the game after giving up 68 points in the first 24 minutes.
20: Portland turnovers. These were particularly costly for the visitors, who allowed 31 points off these turnovers. New Orleans committed just 10 turnovers.
39-36: New Orleans rebound. The Pelicans were overwhelmed the previous February 10 against the Blazers at the Moda Center.
