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Poole Returns as Pelicans Rout Short-Handed Blazers 143-120 to End 7-Game Skid

New Orleans exploited Portland’s lack of healthy bigs with only 10 players active, turning relentless rim attacks into a franchise-record night in the paint.

Dec 11, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens (11) brings the ball up court against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Dec 11, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) takes a shot against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Dec 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) dribbles the ball past Denver Nuggets guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Dec 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) controls the ball as Los Angeles Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (10) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Jordan Poole scored 22 in his first game back from a left quadriceps injury that sidelined him for 18 contests.
  • The Pelicans produced a franchise-record 86 points in the paint according to AP, with some local tallies listing 88, and they won the glass 64-56.
  • Portland dressed 10 players without any of its traditional centers as Donovan Clingan missed a third straight game and Robert Williams III and Yang Hansen were also unavailable.
  • Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 24 points, Bryce McGowens added 23 on 5-of-5 from three, and rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen chipped in 19 and 17.
  • A 38-23 fourth quarter sealed the victory, giving New Orleans its second win under coach James Borrego as Portland dropped its sixth in seven.