Jordan Poole scored 22 points in his return from a left quadriceps injury that sidelined him for 18 games, and the New Orleans Pelicans snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 143-120 victory over the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) attempts a three point basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025.
Matthew Hinton / AP
Trey Murphy III had 24 points and Bryce McGowens hit all five 3-pointers he took on his way to tying a career high with 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting for New Orleans.
The Pelicans won for just the second time since James Borrego took over as coach after Willie Green was fired on Nov. 15.
Shaedon Sharpe scored 21 points for Portland, which had just 10 players available and lost for the sixth time in seven games.
Six players scored 15 or more points for the Pelicans, including rookies Jeremiah Fears (19) and Derik Queen (17). New Orleans also set a franchise record with 86 points in the paint.
Sidy Cissoko scored 20 points for the Blazers, while Jerami Grant and Deni Avdija each had 16.