The New Orleans Pelicans got their roll on in the Smoothie King Center, getting out to a big lead early and coming away with a 119-102 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers to take a 3-0 series advantage.
How It Happened
After an early back and forth the Pelicans set it off late in the first quarter, getting out to an 18-point lead after a pair of free throws from Solomon Hill. The block was hot for the Pelicans from the outset, as they started out shooting 61.9% from the field in the first quarter.
It was more of the same for the Pelicans in the second quarter, getting out to a 20 point lead with 6:57 left in the first half after Rondo drained a three. The Blazers tried to get the lead down, but a late step-back shot by Jrue Holiday was enough to give New Orleans a 19-point lead at the break.
After a halftime performance from Mannie Fresh got the fans up and grooving, it was the Pelicans turn to blow the roof off of the Smoothie King Center. The third quarter hasn’t been the strong suit for the Pelicans, but they weren’t moving in slow motion to start the second half getting out to a 25-point lead with 7:17 left after a three-point play by Anthony Davis.
The Pelicans lead got real big in the fourth quarter after an alley-oop from Davis made it 109-79 with 7:13. The final blow was delivered when Ian Clark drained a floater with 1:29 left to make it 119-97.
Big Number: 24
The Pelicans took advantage of a lot of things, including turnovers. The Trail Blazers had a very hard time holding onto the ball, committing 24 turnovers on the evening with 35 points coming from those mistakes.
Play of the Game: Anthony Davis Stuntin’ Like Evel Knievel
Jrue Holiday upstairs to AD on the oop!#DoItBigger #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/sM630kMzR3
— NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2018
Player of the Game: Nikola Mirotic
It’s not often that Nikola Mirotic gets his shine on, but the former Chicago Bull showed out with a 30-point performance to lead the way. He also racked up eight boards, two assists, three steals, and a block. For just one night, he was the number one stunna.
Next Up: Game Four Saturday: Tipoff 4 pm
-Clint Domingue