Jordan Poole is back, and the Pelicans are back in the win column. His 22 points were the catalyst in a 143-120 rout of the Trail Blazers, a victory that not only ends a brutal seven-game losing streak but showcases the team’s offensive potential under new coach James Borrego.
It wasn’t just a win; it was an exorcism. For seven straight games, a cloud has hung over the New Orleans Pelicans. But on Thursday night, the storm broke, and the catalyst was the return of guard Jordan Poole. In his first game back after an 18-game absence with a left quadriceps injury, Poole immediately reminded the franchise what it had been missing, powering the team to a desperately needed 143-120 blowout victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
The victory halts a losing streak that had threatened to derail the Pelicans’ season and provides the first significant sign of life under new coach James Borrego, who earned just his second win since taking over for Willie Green on November 15. While the box score shows Poole finished with an efficient 22 points, his impact went far beyond his personal stats. His presence on the floor created space, unlocked opportunities for his teammates, and injected a dose of confidence that had been visibly absent during the skid.
An Offensive Onslaught Unleashed
This was more than a simple return to form; it was a statement of intent. The Pelicans didn’t just win—they dominated. The team set a new franchise record by scoring a staggering 86 points in the paint, a clear indication of an aggressive game plan to attack the basket relentlessly. This wasn’t a game won by luck; it was won by force.
While Poole was the spark, the rest of the team caught fire. Trey Murphy III led all Pelicans scorers with 24 points, but the night’s most surprising performance came from Bryce McGowens. He tied his career high with 23 points, doing so on remarkable 8-of-11 shooting, including a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc. The contributions from rookies Jeremiah Fears (19 points) and Derik Queen (17 points) further highlighted a total team effort.
Key Performers for New Orleans
- Trey Murphy III: 24 points
- Bryce McGowens: 23 points (5-for-5 from 3-point range)
- Jordan Poole: 22 points in his return from injury
- Jeremiah Fears: 19 points
- Derik Queen: 17 points
Context is Crucial, But Confidence is King
It’s important to acknowledge that this dominant performance came against a severely short-handed Portland Trail Blazers team, which had only 10 players available. Shaedon Sharpe led the visitors with 21 points, but they were ultimately overwhelmed. For a struggling team like the Pelicans, however, the quality of the opponent is secondary to the quality of the win. This was a “get-right game” in every sense of the term, a chance to shake off the rust, rebuild chemistry, and remember what winning feels like.
The victory provides a much-needed morale boost and a positive result to build upon as they try to climb back in the official NBA standings. The final score of 143-120, a comprehensive result by any measure, was a loud and clear message that this team’s story is far from written, a fact confirmed by the Associated Press.
One game against a depleted opponent doesn’t solve all of a team’s problems, but the message from New Orleans is clear: with Jordan Poole back in the lineup, the Pelicans are a different team. The losing streak is over, and for the first time in weeks, there is a tangible sense of optimism for what comes next.
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