Recap: Jake Layman Leads Blazers Past Pelicans, 128-112

Well, that was easy. The Portland Trail Blazers blew the game open in the second quarter, and held off one late challenge to complete a relaxed 128-112 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. But the story tonight? The Jake Layman Show. He scored 20 points, and you can see them here.

Here are a few other topics of interest.

• This ain’t the same Pelicans that swept the Blazers. New Orleans kept things close for a quarter, but their abysmal defense led to a run from Portland’s bench, featuring the aforementioned Layman. They never truly threatened afterward. Little wonder why rumors are swirling around perennial-All-Star Anthony Davis.
• Moe Starting, No Problems. Harkless returned to the starting lineup tonight, scoring in double-figures in a positive role. He used a stationary bike at times while idle. And of course, Layman did just fine after moving to the bench.
• Ho-hum, another double-double for Nurkic. Nurk fouled out in the fourth, but finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Box Score

What’s Next

A couple days off, then a game against the short-handed Utah Jazz on Monday night.