----- Jerami Grant scored a game-high 28 points and Anfernee Simons added 27 points and six assists as the Portland Trail Blazers get their first win over the season in a 125-103 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Jerami Grant scored a game-high 28 points and Anfernee Simons broke out of his slump with 27 points on 5-of-10 shooting from three-point range as the Portland Trail Blazers recorded their first win of the season 125-103 over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Deandre Ayton recorded his third-straight double-double and Donovan Clingan added nine points, nine rebounds, and two blocked shots.
CJ McCollum led New Orleans (2-1) with 27 points.
Portland (1-2) took a 12-point halftime lead at 59-47 thanks to a 16-4 second quarter run.
In the third quarter, the Blazers used a 12-1 run to take their biggest lead of the game at 83-59. They put the game away to start the fourth with a 13-7 run taking a 22-point lead at 106-84. New Orleans never threatened after that point.
Notes- Deandre Ayton is the first Trail Blazer since 2004-05 (Zach Randolph) to start a season with three consecutive double-doubles. Bill Walton (four times), Calvin Natt (1981-82) and Sidney Wicks (1972-73) are the only other Trail Blazers to accomplish the feat.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers play the second of a back-to-back tomorrow night in Sacramento against the Kings. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM.
Chad's Take- Great effort and energy on both ends of the floor for Portland. Donovan Clingan was dominant in just his third game.