Brandon Ingram’s clutch jumper with just 4.9 seconds remaining sealed the deal for the New Orleans Pelicans as they staged an impressive comeback to secure a thrilling 105-103 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Pelicans trailing until CJ McCollum’s heroics tied the game at 91 with 8:20 left on the clock. From there, it was a back-and-forth battle until Jordan Hawkins stepped up and made crucial free throws to put New Orleans ahead.
Hawkins was the standout performer for the Pelicans, finishing with an impressive 24 points. The return of Zion Williamson to the starting lineup was a significant boost for the team, with the star player contributing 16 points to the victory. The Pelicans had to dig deep to secure the win, as Portland had jumped out to a 27-15 lead in the first quarter and maintained a double-digit advantage for most of the first half.
In unfortunate news for the Pelicans, Dejounte Murray is set to miss the next four-to-six weeks due to a hand injury sustained in the season opener. Jose Alvarado stepped up in Murray’s absence and put in a solid performance. On the other side, rookie Donovan Clingan showed promise for the Trail Blazers with an impactful performance in limited minutes, including four points and four blocks.
The game came down to the wire, with Brandon Ingram’s clutch shot ultimately deciding the outcome. The Pelicans will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup against the Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on Sunday afternoon. It was a memorable night for Jerami Grant of the Blazers, who put up an impressive 34 points, including eight 3-pointers, setting a new personal record.
The stage is set for an exciting rematch between the Pelicans and the Blazers, and fans can expect another thrilling contest between these two talented teams. Be sure to follow the action as it unfolds and stay updated on all the latest NBA news and highlights.
