Recap: Blazers Pull Away From Pelicans, 132-119

In a rematch of last season’s NBA Playoffs first round, the Blazers sent the Pelicans to their fourth straight loss, 132-119. Portland was led by Damian Lillard (26 points), Jusuf Nurkic (20 points, 9 rebounds), Al-Farouq Aminu (17 points, 10 rebounds), and Evan Turner (14 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists).

Here are a few initial thoughts from tonight’s win.

• This was no “revenge game”. With late word that Anthony Davis would miss the game, the Blazers seemingly had the natural advantage. But the Pelicans held serve all night, despite playing their fifth game in seven nights. They stayed close to the Blazers until the fourth quarter, when they ran out of gas.
• CJ McCollum must’ve been a ghost for Halloween. McCollum has been disappearing all season, and tonight was no exception.
• The Blazers love the long ball. Portland shot well from three all night, while New Orleans barely reached 25%.
• Welcome to Moda, Anferee Simons! The Blazers rookie played his first regular season minutes at home, and got a cheer from the crowd when he hit his first bucket.

Box Score

What’s Next

A Saturday night rematch with LeBron James and the struggling Lakers.