Blazers-Pelicans Box Scores: A Detailed Analysis of an Intense Contest
On January 8, 2025, the Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans engaged in a captivating NBA matchup that left fans on the edge of their seats. The game was a tale of two halves, with the Blazers dominating the first and the Pelicans storming back in the second. Ultimately, it was the Blazers who emerged victorious, but the Pelicans put up a valiant fight.
A Tale of Two Halves
The Blazers came out firing on all cylinders in the first half, shooting 50% from the field and holding the Pelicans to just 38%. Portland’s offense was led by Damian Lillard, who scored 18 points in the first half. Jusuf Nurkic also played a significant role, contributing 12 points and 7 rebounds.
The Pelicans struggled to keep up with the Blazers’ offensive onslaught in the first half. Brandon Ingram led the team with 12 points, but no other player scored in double figures. The Pelicans also turned the ball over 9 times, which led to easy baskets for Portland.
Pelicans Storm Back in the Second Half
The Pelicans came out much stronger in the second half, outscoring the Blazers 62-45. Ingram led the charge, scoring 20 points in the third quarter alone. Zion Williamson also had a strong performance, scoring 15 points in the second half.
The Blazers struggled to keep up with the Pelicans’ offensive outburst in the second half. Lillard was held to just 8 points in the second half, and Nurkic fouled out with just over 5 minutes remaining in the game.
Blazers Hold On for the Win
Despite the Pelicans’ strong second-half performance, the Blazers managed to hold on for the victory. Jerami Grant hit a clutch three-pointer with less than a minute remaining to give the Blazers a 5-point lead. The Pelicans had a chance to tie the game, but Ingram’s three-point attempt bounced off the rim.
The Blazers ultimately won the game 117-112. Lillard led the team with 26 points, followed by Grant with 22 points and Nurkic with 19 points.
Key Stats
| Stat | Blazers | Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 117 | 112 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 45.5% | 42.9% |
| Three-Point Percentage | 36.4% | 32.1% |
| Rebounds | 50 | 42 |
| Assists | 27 | 23 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 14 |
Conclusion
The Blazers-Pelicans matchup on January 8, 2025, was a thrilling contest that showcased the talent of both teams’ young stars. The Blazers ultimately emerged victorious, but the Pelicans put up a valiant fight. The game was a reminder that anything can happen in the NBA, and that even the most talented teams can be beaten on any given night.
