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0 The New Orleans Pelicans secured their fifth win in six games by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 93-84 on Saturday night. Despite missing star player Zion Williamson due to a bruised left foot, the Pelicans managed to hold off a strong effort from the Trail Blazers thanks to the impressive performance of Trey Murphy III, who scored 24 points and was a constant threat defensively, contesting shots and rebounding the ball. Brandon Ingram, who contributed 17 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, played a crucial role in the Pelicans’ victory, while Jonas Valanciunas added 16 points and nine rebounds.
The Portland Trail Blazers, who were without starting guards Anfernee Simons (ankle) and Malcolm Brogdon (illness), as well as rookie guard Scoot Henderson (foot), struggled to keep up with the Pelicans. Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 24 points, and Deandre Ayton had 18 points and 17 rebounds. Dalano Banton, who played his first game with the Trail Blazers after coming over from Boston at the trade deadline, scored 12 points.
Despite a third-quarter comeback attempt by Portland, New Orleans managed to hold on to their lead. The Pelicans shot 47.4% from the field, while Portland shot 43.7% and made only 6 of 21 3-pointers. Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups praised his team’s defense, which he described as “incredible the whole game,” but lamented the fact that they were unable to manufacture points against one of the better offensive teams in the league.
Overall, it was an impressive win for the New Orleans Pelicans, who showed that they are a force to be reckoned with even without their star player.
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