The New Orleans Pelicans, battling a wave of injuries, couldn’t sustain their momentum in a tough 118-100 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. Despite Brandon Ingram’s impressive 27-point effort, New Orleans saw its depth stretched thin as it coped with the absence of starters Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Herb Jones.
The Pelicans controlled the pace through three quarters, with gritty play from Jose Alvarado, who contributed 18 points, and Brandon Boston Jr., adding 20 in a spot start. However, the team struggled to close out the game, particularly in the paint, where they were outscored 66-38.
Portland seized control in the fourth, led by Dalano Banton’s explosive 20-point quarter off the bench. Banton’s burst sparked a 10-2 run that flipped the script, allowing Portland to pull ahead for good. The Blazers also benefitted from dominant performances by Anfernee Simons, who scored 24, and Deandre Ayton, who posted a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds.
The Pelicans now turn their focus to Wednesday’s matchup against Cleveland, hoping to regroup and potentially see some of their sidelined starters return as they seek to bounce back from back-to-back losses.
