On Friday night, the New Orleans Pelicans overcame a slow start and a 16-point deficit to edge the Portland Trail Blazers 105-103. Brandon Ingram’s clutch jumper with 5.2 seconds remaining gave New Orleans the lead, and Herbert Jones sealed the win with a game-saving block on Anfernee Simons’ driving attempt just before the buzzer. This victory gave the Pelicans their third consecutive 2-0 start, something they hadn’t accomplished since the three-season streak from 2006-07 through 2008-09.
Jordan Hawkins Sparks Second-Half Rally
Rookie Jordan Hawkins emerged as the unlikely hero for the Pelicans, scoring a team-high 24 points, with 15 coming in the fourth quarter. His hot shooting proved pivotal during New Orleans’ comeback, helping the Pelicans erase a nine-point deficit at the start of the final frame. Hawkins went 8-for-12 from the field and connected on four of his seven three-point attempts. “He hit some big shots for us… once he gets his shot going, he can reel off four or five in a row,” said head coach Willie Green.
Contributions from the Stars
Brandon Ingram was crucial throughout, finishing with 21 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. CJ McCollum added 20 points and made a critical defensive play by forcing a jump ball against Simons in the final minute. Zion Williamson, returning from illness after missing the season opener, had a mixed outing but still contributed 16 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks. Despite struggling with efficiency (4-for-15 from the field), Williamson found ways to impact the game, particularly in the second half.
Defensive Battles and Key Moments
Portland led 84-75 entering the fourth quarter, but New Orleans turned the tide with a 13-0 run to claim a 97-91 advantage. Simons briefly tied the game at 97 with two free throws and a tip-in from Toumani Camara, but the Pelicans maintained their composure down the stretch. McCollum’s timely defense and Jones’ block on Simons ensured the win for New Orleans, marking the Pelicans’ seventh consecutive victory over the Trail Blazers.
Jerami Grant led the way for Portland with 34 points, including a career-high eight three-pointers. However, he scored only two points in the fourth quarter as the Pelicans tightened their defense. Simons added 24 points and seven assists for Portland, while Deandre Ayton recorded a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds.
A Tale of Two Halves
The Pelicans had a frustrating first half, shooting just 31% from the field and managing only 37 points by halftime. They trailed 47-37 at the break but came alive offensively in the second half, scoring 38 points in the third quarter and 30 in the fourth. Hawkins’ scoring surge, along with improved efforts from Williamson and McCollum, fueled the turnaround.
With injuries affecting both teams—New Orleans missing Dejounte Murray (fractured hand) and Trey Murphy III (hamstring), and Portland without Shaedon Sharpe, Robert Williams III, and Matisse Thybulle—the game tested the depth of each squad.
The Pelicans and Trail Blazers will meet again in Portland on Sunday afternoon, as New Orleans looks to extend its winning streak and Portland aims for its first victory of the season.
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It was Zion with the block at the end not Herb Jones.
No, look at the film and the box score. The block is by Herb.