PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Trail Blazers surrendered more points than they have all season in a 143-120 loss in New Orleans on Thursday night.
The Pelicans led throughout the fourth quarter, enjoying a double-digit cushion most of the way down the stretch. New Orleans hit more than half their shots, going 58-for-112 (51.8%) for the game. Trey Murphy III led the charge with 24 points on 10 of 13 (76.9%) shooting.
New Orleans took command with an 8-point spurt early in the fourth quarter, capped by a putback dunk by rookie Derik Queen.
Shaedon Sharpe led the Blazers with 21 points, while Sidy Cissoko scored 20.
Portland is back in action at home Sunday against Golden State.