The Trail Blazers suffered their fourth loss in five games after falling to the Pelicans 115-104 on Tuesday. CJ McCollum was thrust into lead duties with Damian Lillard (back spasms) on the sideline. McCollum’s 22 points led the way for the Blazers, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the pace-pushing Pelicans on their home court.
Outside of the result, Tuesday’s contest served as Carmelo Anthony’s return to the NBA. The 35-year-old forward showed off a few of his vintage moves in the first quarter, but Melo lost steam as the game continued.