The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 126-107, at Smoothie King Center on Saturday evening.

The Pelicans (41-26) had to work harder than expected to get past the Trail Blazers (19-48) in this one despite the difference in records from each team. Portland put up quite a fight and made things difficult for New Orleans, but the Pels finished the first quarter on top by a slim three-point margin (36-33). A 37-25 score in the second quarter gave New Orleans a five-point lead at the break. The Blazers just wouldn’t go away, but the Pelicans still found a way to extend their lead. By the time the third quarter ended, the Pelicans were already up by 10 points following a 29-24 score. New Orleans pulled away for good in the final 12 minutes and established the final differential after a 24-15 score in the fourth quarter. With the win, the Pelicans moved to 20-13 at home. Meanwhile, the Blazers fell to 8-24 on the road.

CJ McCollum led the way for the Pelicans with 30 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Zion Williamson had 26 points and 10 rebounds. Brandon Ingram recorded 22 points and seven rebounds. Trey Murphy III finished with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas had four points, three rebounds and five assists. Naji Marshall added 11 points off the bench. New Orleans shot 53.6 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from deep.

Dalano Banton led the way for the Trail Blazers with 28 points, six assists and five rebounds. Anfernee Simons had 25 points and eight assists. Deandre Ayton couldn’t record another double-double after posting 20 points and eight rebounds while adding two assists. Toumani Camara had 11 points and six rebounds. The Trail Blazers shot 50 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three-point range.