Trail Blazers drop the game in the last quarter

The Portland Trail Blazers kept the advancing New Orleans Pelicans within striking distance for three-quarters thanks to Anfernee Simons, Deandre Ayton, and Dalano Banton. However, the Blazers suddenly found it extremely tough to get baskets once the fourth quarter got underway, and on Saturday night in New Orleans, they were defeated 126-107 at the Smoothie King Center.

Despite shooting just 31.3% in the fourth quarter, Portland was outscored 24–15. The Blazers shot 5 of 16 and 1 of 6 on three-pointers at the end of the quarter, with seven turnovers. In total, the Blazers also made 20 mistakes that evening, which the Pelicans used to their advantage for 31 points. Playing without Jerami Grant once more, Portland took advantage of ten Pelicans mistakes to score 13 points. The Blazers, who made 50% of their shots and 36.4% of their threes, had a strong shooting night until the 18-point deficit in one area practically ruined it.