3 Takeaways from the Blazers’ Surprise Win over the Pelicans

Surprisingly, in this young 2024-25 NBA season, the tanking Portland Trail Blazers improved their record to 2-1 against the New Orleans Pelicans with a 118-100 win over the Pelicans on Monday night. With this win, Portland also moved past supposedly struggling New Orleans with an identical 3-5 overall record on the year.

Here are our findings.

Simons, 25, has thrived in his new role as Portland’s full-time point guard. He was the Trail Blazers’ starting shooting guard last year but was moved to a position below Scoot Henderson earlier this season. He scored a game-high 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field (3-of-8 from long range) and 1-of-1 shooting from the free throw line, while also dishing out four dimes and grabbing one rebound. and an interception in 34:06 of action.

Avdija has been a valuable asset for Portland this summer. Portland traded its rights to 2024 NBA Draft No. 14 pick Bub Carrington, 2029 first-round pick, a pair of future second-rounders and 2023 Sixth Man of the Year guard Malcolm Brogdon to the Washington Wizards in exchange for the 6-footer . A -9 combo forward who plays shooting guard while Shadon Sharpe recovers from a shoulder injury.

But Awija has really struggled to find his chance this year. That extended into Monday’s game, in which Avdija played just 20:45, scoring seven points on 2-of-5 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 shooting from the charity stripe, dishing out six assists, grabbing four boards and throwing three steals.

Kamara, meanwhile, has emerged as an enticing defender with a newfound willingness to let him fly from deep. He scored 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field (2-of-5 from long range) and 2-of-4 shooting from the charity stripe, grabbed five rebounds, dished out four assists, stole one and had a block. shot, with +15 plus or minus versus -7 for Avdija.

Will Kamara be Portland’s starting small forward when Shadon Sharpe returns?

Portland didn’t kill enough penalties, but needed 24 shots (16 total). New Orleans scored much more efficiently, 14 of 16.

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