The New Orleans Pelicans are riding a tidal wave of momentum right now. It wasn’t easy, but they were able to take a 2-0 series lead on Tuesday night with a 111-102 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
How It Happened
After an early back and forth, the Pelicans got out to a seven point lead with 9:34 left in the first quarter. However,the Trail Blazers fought back late in the final moments of the first quarter and were able to make it a two-point ballgame after one quarter of play thanks to a solid quarter from CJ McCollum.
Despite several lead changes, Portland really started to take control late in the second quarter with another big quarter from McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic, getting out to as much as a nine point lead. However, Rajon Rondo went into playoff mode and made it 59-54 at the break with a late three-pointer.
The Pelicans haven’t had a major sense of urgency when it came to third quarters throughout the season, but they certainly woke up for this one, getting out to as much as an 11-point lead with 4:29 left in the third. In fact, the third quarter was where they started to pull away, outscoring Portland 33-19.
The Trail Blazers weren’t about to go quietly though, as they managed to take a slim lead after Harkless drained a three with 3:20 left in regulation. It wasn’t enough though as New Orleans was able to get to the line the rest of the way and come away with a nine-point victory.
Play of the Game: Davis Alley-Oop with Authority
AD OUT HERE FLYING!! #AD4MVP pic.twitter.com/zPCvchwCXp
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 18, 2018
Player of the Game: Jrue Holiday
Everybody talks about playoff Rondo, but they need to recognize the solid postseason that Jrue Holiday has been having, putting up a career-high 33 points on Tuesday night.
Next Up: Game Three at Smoothie King Center; Tipoff 8 pm
-Clint Domingue