It carried none of the intensity or the stakes of the 2018 Western Conference Playoffs, but it’s always interesting when the New Orleans Pelicans meet the Portland Trail Blazers.
The shorthanded Pelicans were once again highly competitive with a team from the league’s upper echelon, but fell short 122-110 for their fifth consecutive loss.
Julius Randle scored a career-high 45 points to go along with 11 rebounds and six assists, becoming just the eighth player in franchise history to top the 40-point mark. In addition, Randle’s statistical line has been matched or bettered by only three other players this season.