Portland trail blazers vs new orleans pelicans match player stats

The portland trail blazers vs new orleans pelicans match player stats from January 3, 2026, tell the story of an impressive Portland comeback and a dominant offensive performance from Deni Avdija. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 122-109 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, overcoming an early deficit to secure an important road victory. Avdija led Portland with 34 points and 11 assists, while Zion Williamson delivered an outstanding individual performance with 35 points and eight rebounds for New Orleans. Despite Williamson’s scoring success, Portland’s superior three-point shooting, offensive rebounding, and ball security ultimately made the difference.

The contest featured several impressive individual performances. Shaedon Sharpe contributed 23 points, Caleb Love added 22 points off the bench, and Donovan Clingan controlled the glass with 15 rebounds. New Orleans received valuable contributions from Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Poole, and Karlo Matkovic, but its 15 turnovers and limited three-point production created problems throughout the game.

The final score reflected Portland’s ability to respond after a difficult opening quarter. New Orleans scored 37 points in the first period, but Portland answered with a strong second quarter and maintained control during the second half. The result gave the Trail Blazers a 2-1 advantage in the season series.

This breakdown examines the complete player performances, team statistics, scoring patterns, individual matchups, and the important moments that explain how Portland secured its 13-point victory.

Portland Trail Blazers vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The January matchup brought two teams with very different season records into Smoothie King Center. Portland entered the contest with a 15-20 record, while New Orleans was looking to improve its 8-28 record.

Although the Pelicans had home-court advantage, Portland demonstrated greater offensive balance and better execution during the decisive stretches.

Final Score and Game Information

Game Detail	Information
Matchup	Portland Trail Blazers vs New Orleans Pelicans
Date	January 3, 2026 (displayed date)
Local Game Date	January 2, 2026
Competition	NBA Regular Season
Venue	Smoothie King Center
Location	New Orleans, Louisiana
Attendance	16,812
Final Score	Portland 122, New Orleans 109
Winning Team	Portland Trail Blazers
Winning Margin	13 points
Portland Record	15-20
New Orleans Record	8-28
Portland Away Record	8-11
New Orleans Home Record	6-16
Season Series	Portland leads 2-1
Game Status	Final

Portland’s victory was built on several complementary strengths rather than one individual statistic.

The Trail Blazers scored 122 points while shooting 45% from the field. They also converted 16 three-pointers, collected 46 rebounds, and committed only nine turnovers.

New Orleans actually made three more field goals than Portland, finishing with 44 successful attempts compared with Portland’s 41. However, the Pelicans attempted six more shots and struggled significantly from outside the three-point line.

The difference became particularly clear when examining Portland’s 16 successful three-pointers against New Orleans’ eight.

That eight-shot difference provided Portland with 24 additional points from three-point territory compared with the Pelicans’ production.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Breakdown

The scoring progression explains how Portland recovered from its difficult opening period.

New Orleans started aggressively and established an early advantage. However, the Trail Blazers responded with a much stronger second quarter, changing the direction of the contest.

First Quarter: New Orleans Starts Strong

Portland 29, New Orleans 37

The Pelicans opened the game with an impressive offensive performance, scoring 37 points in the first quarter.

Their ability to attack the basket created opportunities against Portland’s defense. New Orleans shot approximately 59.1% from the field during the period, establishing an eight-point advantage.

Portland scored 29 points but struggled to match the home team’s early offensive efficiency.

At this stage, New Orleans appeared capable of controlling the contest through its interior scoring and aggressive offensive approach.

However, the opening quarter also exposed an important issue for the Pelicans. Their defensive pressure did not prevent Portland from remaining within striking distance.

The eight-point deficit was manageable, and Portland still had enough offensive options to change the game’s direction.

Second Quarter: Portland Takes Control

Portland 34, New Orleans 18

The second quarter was arguably the most important period of the game.

Portland improved its offensive execution and scored 34 points while limiting New Orleans to just 18.

The Pelicans’ shooting efficiency dropped considerably. They made nine of 22 field-goal attempts and missed all six of their three-point attempts during the quarter.

Portland took advantage of those offensive struggles.

Deni Avdija played an important role in the comeback, using his scoring ability and playmaking to create better opportunities for teammates.

The Trail Blazers moved ahead 63-55 by halftime.

The change was significant because Portland had transformed an eight-point first-quarter deficit into an eight-point halftime advantage.

Third Quarter: Portland Protects Its Advantage

Portland 22, New Orleans 20

The third quarter was more balanced.

Neither team produced an overwhelming scoring run, but Portland maintained its advantage by outscoring New Orleans 22-20.

The Trail Blazers did not need to dominate offensively during this period. Their priority was maintaining defensive organization and avoiding unnecessary turnovers.

New Orleans continued searching for ways to reduce the deficit, but Portland’s lead remained intact.

The Pelicans had opportunities to make the game closer, yet their inability to consistently convert perimeter attempts limited their progress.

Fourth Quarter: Portland Finishes the Job

Portland 37, New Orleans 34

New Orleans attempted another offensive push in the final quarter, scoring 34 points.

However, Portland responded with 37 points of its own.

The Trail Blazers maintained their offensive rhythm and prevented the Pelicans from completing a comeback.

Their ability to generate three-point opportunities and capitalize on New Orleans’ mistakes helped protect the advantage.

Portland eventually secured a 122-109 victory.

Complete Quarter Scores

Quarter	Portland Trail Blazers	New Orleans Pelicans
First Quarter	29	37
Second Quarter	34	18
Third Quarter	22	20
Fourth Quarter	37	34
Final Score	122	109

The most important scoring difference came in the second quarter.

Portland outscored New Orleans by 16 points during that period, creating a lead that the Pelicans could not overcome.

Portland Trail Blazers Player Stats

Portland received contributions from multiple players, allowing its offense to remain productive throughout the game.

Deni Avdija was the leading performer, but Shaedon Sharpe, Caleb Love, Donovan Clingan, and Toumani Camara also played important roles.

The following table summarizes the available player statistics.

Complete Portland Player Performance

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Field Goals	3-Pointers	Free Throws
Deni Avdija	34	7	11	10-19	3-5	11-14
Shaedon Sharpe	23	5	1	9-18	1-6	4-4
Donovan Clingan	11	15	1	5-10	0-3	1-2
Toumani Camara	14	6	4	4-11	4-11	2-3
Kris Murray	6	4	3	1-7	0-3	4-5
Caleb Love	22	2	2	7-13	6-11	2-2
Sidy Cissoko	5	0	3	2-7	1-4	0-0
Robert Williams III	4	6	1	2-3	0-0	0-0
Rayan Rupert	3	1	1	1-3	1-3	0-0

Note: The table focuses on the player statistics supplied for this matchup. Players who did not record playing time are listed separately.

Deni Avdija: Portland’s Offensive Leader

Deni Avdija delivered the most complete individual performance for Portland.

He finished with:

• 34 points
• 7 rebounds
• 11 assists
• 10-of-19 field goals
• 3-of-5 three-pointers
• 11-of-14 free throws

Avdija’s performance was important because he influenced almost every major part of Portland’s offense.

His 34 points made him the Trail Blazers’ leading scorer, while his 11 assists demonstrated his ability to create opportunities for teammates.

He was also efficient from the field, converting 52.6% of his attempts.

His three-point shooting was particularly effective. Avdija made three of five attempts from beyond the arc, giving Portland another reliable perimeter scoring option.

Another important part of his performance was his ability to draw fouls and reach the free-throw line.

He attempted 14 free throws and converted 11.

This allowed him to continue producing points even when New Orleans attempted to defend him more aggressively.

Avdija’s contribution also helped Portland establish its second-quarter advantage. His scoring and passing made it difficult for the Pelicans to focus their defensive attention on a single offensive option.

Why his performance mattered:

Avdija did not simply score 34 points. He also helped organize the offense, create scoring opportunities, and maintain Portland’s offensive balance.

His 34-point, 11-assist double-double was the defining individual performance of the game.

Shaedon Sharpe: Reliable Secondary Scoring

Shaedon Sharpe finished with 23 points and five rebounds.

His shooting numbers included:

• 9-of-18 field goals
• 1-of-6 three-pointers
• 4-of-4 free throws

Sharpe provided Portland with an important secondary scoring option.

His 50% field-goal percentage demonstrated his effectiveness when attacking scoring opportunities inside the three-point line.

Although his perimeter shooting was not particularly efficient, he compensated by converting nine field goals.

His perfect free-throw performance also helped Portland maintain its scoring advantage.

Sharpe’s 23 points were especially valuable because they reduced the pressure on Avdija to carry the entire offensive workload.

Caleb Love: The Bench Scoring Difference

Caleb Love was one of the most influential players in the game despite coming off the bench.

He recorded:

• 22 points
• 2 rebounds
• 2 assists
• 7-of-13 field goals
• 6-of-11 three-pointers
• 2-of-2 free throws

Love’s six three-pointers were particularly important.

He converted approximately 54.5% of his attempts from long range, giving Portland an additional scoring threat whenever New Orleans attempted to focus on Avdija or Sharpe.

His ability to score from the perimeter helped Portland maintain offensive spacing.

The most impressive aspect of Love’s performance was the combination of volume and efficiency.

He attempted 11 three-pointers and converted six, producing 18 points from beyond the arc alone.

That contribution demonstrated how valuable bench shooting can be in a game where the opposing team struggles to defend the perimeter.

Love finished with 22 points, making him Portland’s third-highest scorer.

Donovan Clingan: Dominance on the Glass

Donovan Clingan delivered an important performance in the paint.

He recorded:

• 11 points
• 15 rebounds
• 1 assist
• 5-of-10 field goals

His 15 rebounds were the highest total for either team.

More importantly, nine of those rebounds came on the offensive end.

Offensive rebounds are especially valuable because they create additional possessions and allow teams to recover after missed shots.

Clingan’s work on the glass helped Portland produce 24 second-chance points.

His physical presence also made it more difficult for New Orleans to finish defensive possessions.

Clingan’s contribution was not limited to scoring. His rebounding helped Portland control the pace and create additional offensive opportunities.

His double-double was one of the most important supporting performances behind Avdija’s outstanding night.

Toumani Camara: Two-Way Contribution

Toumani Camara finished with 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

His shooting numbers included:

• 4-of-11 field goals
• 4-of-11 three-pointers
• 2-of-3 free throws

Camara’s four successful three-pointers helped Portland maintain its perimeter advantage.

Although his overall field-goal percentage was not particularly high, his long-range shooting provided valuable spacing.

His four assists also demonstrated that he contributed beyond scoring.

Camara’s versatility allowed Portland to maintain a balanced lineup while distributing offensive responsibilities among several players.

Kris Murray: Defensive and Supporting Contributions

Kris Murray recorded six points, four rebounds, and three assists.

His shooting was less efficient than some of his teammates, as he converted one of seven field-goal attempts.

However, his contribution included more than scoring.

Murray also recorded three steals and two blocks, according to the supplied player statistics.

Those defensive plays helped Portland disrupt New Orleans’ offensive possessions.

His ability to contribute defensively was valuable in a game where the Trail Blazers needed to respond to New Orleans’ strong opening period.

Other Portland Contributors

Several additional players helped Portland maintain its advantage.

Sidy Cissoko scored five points and recorded three assists and two steals. His defensive activity provided additional energy.

Robert Williams III contributed four points, six rebounds, and one assist. His interior presence helped Portland maintain its rebounding depth.

Rayan Rupert added three points, one rebound, and one assist.

The distribution of production demonstrated Portland’s depth.

The Trail Blazers did not depend entirely on their starting lineup. Their bench provided meaningful scoring, particularly through Caleb Love.

New Orleans Pelicans Player Stats

New Orleans produced several strong individual performances, but its offensive output was not sufficiently balanced to overcome Portland’s shooting advantage.

Zion Williamson was the leading scorer, while Jordan Poole, Jeremiah Fears, and Karlo Matkovic provided additional offensive production.

Complete New Orleans Player Performance

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Field Goals	3-Pointers	Free Throws
Zion Williamson	35	8	2	15-26	Not listed	5-8
Jordan Poole	16	1	6	5-16	4-11	Not listed
Jeremiah Fears	18	5	4	8-15	Not listed	Not listed
Bryce McGowens	13	4	0	4-9	Not listed	Not listed
Yves Missi	5	3	2	2-?	Not listed	Not listed
Kevon Looney	4	12	2	2-4	Not listed	Not listed
Karlo Matkovic	16	2	0	7-8	2-3	Not listed
Micah Peavy	2	3	2	1-?	Not listed	Not listed
Jordan Hawkins	0	1	0	Not listed	Not listed	Not listed

The supplied data does not contain complete shooting splits for every Pelicans player. Unavailable figures have not been estimated.

Zion Williamson: New Orleans’ Leading Scorer

Zion Williamson produced an outstanding scoring performance despite the defeat.

He finished with:

• 35 points
• 8 rebounds
• 2 assists
• 15-of-26 field goals
• 5-of-8 free throws

Williamson was the highest scorer in the entire game.

His 15 successful field goals demonstrated his effectiveness around the basket and his ability to create scoring opportunities through physical play.

He converted approximately 57.7% of his field-goal attempts.

That efficiency was particularly impressive considering the defensive attention he received.

However, Williamson’s individual success did not translate into a team victory.

Portland managed to generate more efficient perimeter offense, while New Orleans struggled to convert enough three-point attempts to keep pace.

Williamson’s performance demonstrated that the Pelicans had a reliable offensive option, but they needed more consistent support from their surrounding players.

Jordan Poole: Playmaking and Perimeter Scoring

Jordan Poole finished with 16 points and six assists.

His shooting numbers included:

• 5-of-16 field goals
• 4-of-11 three-pointers

Poole provided New Orleans with an important combination of perimeter scoring and playmaking.

His six assists were the highest total among the Pelicans’ players.

However, his overall shooting efficiency was inconsistent.

He converted 31.3% of his field-goal attempts, making it difficult for New Orleans to maintain offensive momentum.

Poole’s four successful three-pointers were valuable, but the Pelicans needed greater perimeter production from the rest of the lineup.

His playmaking helped create opportunities, although Portland’s defensive pressure eventually limited New Orleans’ ability to capitalize on possessions.

Jeremiah Fears: An Important Young Contributor

Jeremiah Fears recorded 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

He converted eight of 15 field-goal attempts, giving him an impressive 53.3% shooting percentage.

Fears provided New Orleans with an additional offensive option alongside Williamson.

His 18 points demonstrated his ability to contribute efficiently without requiring an unusually high number of attempts.

He also recorded four assists, showing that his contribution extended beyond individual scoring.

Fears’ performance was one of the more encouraging aspects of New Orleans’ offensive effort.

However, the Pelicans needed more consistent production across the entire rotation.

Karlo Matkovic: Efficient Shooting From the Floor

Karlo Matkovic delivered one of the most efficient offensive performances for New Orleans.

He recorded:

• 16 points
• 2 rebounds
• 7-of-8 field goals
• 2-of-3 three-pointers

Matkovic converted 87.5% of his field-goal attempts.

His shooting efficiency was excellent, particularly because he also demonstrated the ability to score from outside.

His two successful three-pointers gave New Orleans another perimeter option.

However, his scoring contribution was not enough to overcome Portland’s more consistent team offense.

Matkovic’s performance highlighted the importance of efficient supporting players in a game where the leading scorer already had a productive night.

Kevon Looney: Rebounding Presence

Kevon Looney recorded four points and 12 rebounds.

His rebounding total was the highest for New Orleans.

Although his scoring contribution was limited, his work on the glass helped the Pelicans remain competitive in the interior.

He also provided two assists.

Looney’s 12 rebounds demonstrated his importance as a supporting center, especially when New Orleans needed additional possessions and defensive rebounds.

However, Portland’s Donovan Clingan finished with 15 rebounds, giving the Trail Blazers an advantage in the matchup between the teams’ leading rebounders.

Bryce McGowens: Supporting Offensive Production

Bryce McGowens contributed 13 points and four rebounds.

He converted four of nine field-goal attempts.

His scoring provided useful support for Williamson and the other offensive players.

However, McGowens did not record an assist in the supplied statistics.

New Orleans needed greater collective playmaking to create more consistent scoring opportunities throughout the game.

Other New Orleans Contributors

Yves Missi recorded five points, three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

Micah Peavy added two points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.

Jordan Hawkins finished with one rebound but did not score.

The Pelicans had individual contributions from several players, but their offensive production was less consistent than Portland’s.

Portland vs New Orleans: Complete Team Statistics Comparison

Individual performances explain much of the contest, but team statistics reveal why Portland won.

Both teams finished with 45% field-goal shooting. However, the Trail Blazers created a significant advantage through three-point shooting, free throws, and turnovers.

Team Statistical Comparison

Statistical Category	Portland	New Orleans
Final Score	122	109
Field Goals	41-92	44-98
Field-Goal Percentage	45%	45%
Three-Pointers	16-47	8-30
Three-Point Percentage	34%	27%
Free Throws	24-30	13-18
Free-Throw Percentage	80%	72%
Total Rebounds	46	42
Offensive Rebounds	19	19
Defensive Rebounds	27	23
Assists	27	22
Turnovers	9	15
Steals	6	8
Blocks	7	11
Personal Fouls	17	22

Three-Point Shooting Created the Biggest Difference

The most obvious statistical advantage belonged to Portland’s perimeter offense.

The Trail Blazers made 16 three-pointers, while New Orleans converted only eight.

That difference represented 24 additional points from beyond the arc.

Portland attempted 47 three-pointers, compared with 30 attempts for New Orleans.

Although Portland’s 34% shooting was not exceptional by modern NBA standards, it was considerably more productive than the Pelicans’ 27%.

The difference became particularly important during the second quarter, when New Orleans struggled to make perimeter shots.

Portland’s ability to generate successful three-point attempts allowed it to recover from the early deficit.

Turnovers: Portland Protected the Basketball Better

Portland committed nine turnovers.

New Orleans committed 15.

That six-turnover difference represented an important advantage for the visiting team.

Every turnover potentially removes a scoring opportunity and can create transition opportunities for the opposition.

Portland’s better ball security helped it maintain offensive possessions and reduce unnecessary mistakes.

The Pelicans, meanwhile, gave Portland additional opportunities to score.

The Trail Blazers converted those mistakes into 23 points off turnovers, according to the official game recap.

Rebounding: Clingan Provided an Important Advantage

Both teams recorded 19 offensive rebounds in the supplied team statistics.

However, Portland finished with 46 total rebounds compared with New Orleans’ 42.

The individual rebounding matchup was especially important.

Donovan Clingan collected 15 rebounds, while Kevon Looney led New Orleans with 12.

Clingan’s nine offensive rebounds were particularly valuable.

They helped Portland produce 24 second-chance points.

This was an important factor because offensive rebounds allow teams to extend possessions and create additional scoring opportunities.

Assists: Portland Shared the Offensive Responsibility

Portland recorded 27 assists compared with New Orleans’ 22.

This difference reflected the Trail Blazers’ more balanced offensive approach.

Deni Avdija contributed 11 assists on his own.

His playmaking allowed Portland to create opportunities for Sharpe, Love, Camara, and Clingan.

New Orleans received six assists from Jordan Poole and four from Jeremiah Fears.

Although the Pelicans had capable playmakers, their overall assist total remained lower.

Defensive Statistics: New Orleans Had More Blocks and Steals

New Orleans recorded 11 blocks and eight steals.

Portland finished with seven blocks and six steals.

These figures show that the Pelicans were active defensively.

However, defensive activity did not automatically translate into winning basketball.

Portland’s superior shooting and lower turnover total proved more important.

New Orleans also committed 22 personal fouls compared with Portland’s 17.

That difference contributed to Portland’s greater number of free-throw attempts.

Five Major Factors Behind Portland’s Victory

Several statistical patterns explain why the Trail Blazers won despite New Orleans scoring 37 points in the opening quarter.

1. Portland’s Second-Quarter Comeback

The second quarter changed the entire game.

New Orleans had established an eight-point advantage, but Portland outscored the Pelicans 34-18 in the next period.

This 16-point scoring advantage transformed the contest.

Portland’s improved offense and New Orleans’ shooting problems created the conditions for the comeback.

2. Caleb Love’s Perimeter Shooting

Caleb Love’s six three-pointers provided Portland with valuable bench production.

His 22 points ensured that the Trail Blazers had another scoring option whenever the defense focused on Avdija or Sharpe.

The importance of this contribution becomes clear when comparing the teams’ bench production.

Portland received meaningful scoring from Love, while New Orleans struggled to match that level of perimeter production.

3. Deni Avdija’s Scoring and Playmaking

Avdija’s 34 points and 11 assists made him the central figure in Portland’s offense.

His scoring created pressure on the Pelicans’ defense.

His passing also made it difficult for New Orleans to concentrate its defensive attention on him.

A player who can score efficiently and create opportunities for teammates presents a difficult matchup.

Avdija demonstrated both abilities.

4. Donovan Clingan’s Offensive Rebounding

Clingan’s 15 rebounds helped Portland control the interior.

His nine offensive rebounds created additional possessions.

Those opportunities contributed to Portland’s 24 second-chance points.

In a game decided by 13 points, the value of extra possessions cannot be overlooked.

5. New Orleans’ Turnover Problems

The Pelicans committed 15 turnovers, six more than Portland.

These mistakes reduced their offensive opportunities and allowed Portland to generate points from defensive pressure.

New Orleans needed greater discipline with the basketball, particularly during the periods when Portland was building its lead.

Key Individual Matchups

The game featured several interesting individual battles that influenced the final result.

Deni Avdija vs Zion Williamson

This was the most interesting comparison because both players delivered excellent scoring performances.

Statistic	Deni Avdija	Zion Williamson
Points	34	35
Rebounds	7	8
Assists	11	2
Field Goals	10-19	15-26
Field-Goal Percentage	52.6%	57.7%
Three-Pointers	3-5	Not listed
Free Throws	11-14	5-8

Williamson scored one more point than Avdija.

However, Avdija recorded nine more assists.

The comparison highlights two different offensive approaches.

Williamson was primarily effective as a scorer, using his strength and finishing ability to create opportunities near the basket.

Avdija provided a combination of scoring and playmaking.

His 11 assists helped Portland involve more players in the offense.

Both players had impressive individual performances, but Avdija’s contribution had a greater impact on the winning team’s overall offensive production.

Donovan Clingan vs Kevon Looney

The two centers provided important rebounding contributions.

Statistic	Donovan Clingan	Kevon Looney
Points	11	4
Rebounds	15	12
Assists	1	2

Clingan finished with three more rebounds and seven more points.

His offensive rebounding was particularly valuable.

Looney also delivered a strong performance on the glass, but Clingan’s additional possessions helped Portland create more scoring opportunities.

Shaedon Sharpe vs Jordan Poole

Both players provided important perimeter scoring.

Statistic	Shaedon Sharpe	Jordan Poole
Points	23	16
Rebounds	5	1
Assists	1	6
Field Goals	9-18	5-16
Three-Pointers	1-6	4-11

Sharpe was more productive as a scorer.

Poole contributed more assists and made four three-pointers.

Their performances reflected different responsibilities.

Sharpe helped Portland maintain its scoring output, while Poole attempted to organize New Orleans’ perimeter offense.

What the Result Reveals About Both Teams

The final score provides useful information about the strengths and weaknesses of both teams during this particular matchup.

Portland Trail Blazers: Offensive Balance and Better Execution

Portland demonstrated that it could recover from an early deficit without depending on a single player.

Avdija led the offense, but Sharpe and Love also scored more than 20 points.

Clingan controlled the rebounds, while Camara provided additional perimeter production.

The Trail Blazers also showed better ball security.

Their nine turnovers were particularly important because they allowed the team to maintain offensive possessions.

The victory demonstrated the value of combining individual talent with collective execution.

New Orleans Pelicans: Individual Scoring Was Not Enough

New Orleans received 35 points from Williamson and productive performances from several supporting players.

However, the team struggled to maintain offensive efficiency.

Its 27% three-point shooting created a major disadvantage.

The 15 turnovers also reduced the number of available scoring opportunities.

The Pelicans’ defensive statistics were respectable, particularly their 11 blocks and eight steals.

However, they needed greater offensive consistency to convert those defensive contributions into a victory.

Their second-quarter performance was particularly damaging.

Scoring only 18 points after producing 37 in the opening period created a deficit that became difficult to overcome.

Portland Trail Blazers vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats: Important Records and Takeaways

Several individual and team achievements deserve attention when reviewing this contest.

Deni Avdija’s Double-Double

Avdija finished with 34 points and 11 assists.

His performance combined high-level scoring with excellent playmaking.

He was the most influential offensive player for Portland.

Donovan Clingan’s Rebounding Performance

Clingan recorded 15 rebounds, including nine offensive rebounds.

His ability to extend possessions was a major factor behind Portland’s second-chance scoring.

Zion Williamson’s 35-Point Performance

Williamson finished with 35 points and eight rebounds.

He was the leading scorer in the contest, demonstrating his continued ability to produce high-volume scoring performances.

Caleb Love’s Six Three-Pointers

Love made six of his 11 three-point attempts.

His 22 points provided Portland with important bench scoring.

Portland’s Eight-Three-Pointer Advantage

Portland converted 16 three-pointers compared with New Orleans’ eight.

That difference was one of the clearest explanations for the final result.

New Orleans’ Turnover Problem

The Pelicans committed 15 turnovers.

Portland committed only nine.

The difference helped the Trail Blazers maintain control of the game after taking the lead.

Players Who Did Not Participate

Several players were listed as unavailable or did not record playing time.

Portland Trail Blazers

The supplied game data lists:

• Jerami Grant
• Duop Reath
• Jrue Holiday
• Matisse Thybulle
• Blake Wesley

The recorded reasons included injury-related designations and coach’s decisions.

The supplied data does not establish a complete player-by-player explanation for every absence.

New Orleans Pelicans

The supplied data lists:

• DeAndre Jordan
• Trey Alexander

Both were recorded as coach’s decisions.

It is important to distinguish between a player being unavailable because of injury and a player not receiving playing time because of a coaching decision.

These situations have different implications when evaluating a team’s rotation.

Game Venue, Attendance, and Officials

The matchup took place at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The arena hosted 16,812 spectators for the contest.

The game officials were:

• Courtney Kirkland
• Andy Nagy
• Tyler Ricks

The attendance and venue information provide additional context for the matchup.

New Orleans had the advantage of playing at home, but Portland handled the road environment effectively.

The Trail Blazers improved their away record to 8-11 with the victory.

The Pelicans, meanwhile, fell to 6-16 at home.

Historical and Season-Series Context

The result gave Portland a 2-1 advantage in the season series against New Orleans.

That advantage was meaningful because the teams were competing within the Western Conference.

Regular-season matchups between conference opponents can influence standings and future tiebreaking situations.

Portland’s ability to win in New Orleans also demonstrated that the team could perform effectively away from home.

For New Orleans, the defeat extended a difficult stretch.

The Pelicans dropped their sixth consecutive game, making the result another setback in an already challenging season.

However, the individual performances of Williamson, Fears, and Matkovic provided some positive signs.

The team’s challenge was finding a way to combine those performances with better perimeter shooting and more disciplined ball handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who won the Portland Trail Blazers vs New Orleans Pelicans game on January 3, 2026?

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 122-109. The game was played at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The local game date was January 2, 2026, although some records display January 3.

2. Who scored the most points in the game?

Zion Williamson was the leading scorer with 35 points. Deni Avdija led Portland with 34 points and also recorded 11 assists.

3. What were Deni Avdija’s stats against the Pelicans?

Deni Avdija finished with 34 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists. He shot 10-of-19 from the field, made three three-pointers, and converted 11 free throws.

4. How many rebounds did Donovan Clingan record?

Donovan Clingan collected 15 rebounds and scored 11 points. Nine of his rebounds came on the offensive end, helping Portland generate additional scoring opportunities.

5. How many three-pointers did Portland and New Orleans make?

Portland made 16 three-pointers on 47 attempts, while New Orleans converted eight on 30 attempts. Portland’s eight-additional-three-pointer advantage was a major factor in the victory.

6. Who was Portland’s leading bench scorer?

Caleb Love was Portland’s leading bench scorer with 22 points. He made seven of 13 field-goal attempts, including six of 11 three-point attempts.

Conclusion

The Portland Trail Blazers’ 122-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans was an impressive example of how balanced offense, perimeter shooting, and possession control can determine an NBA game.

Although New Orleans started strongly and scored 37 points in the opening quarter, Portland responded with a dominant second period to take control.

Deni Avdija delivered the standout performance with 34 points and 11 assists. Shaedon Sharpe added 23 points, Caleb Love contributed 22 points off the bench, and Donovan Clingan controlled the glass with 15 rebounds.

For New Orleans, Zion Williamson led all scorers with 35 points and eight rebounds. Jeremiah Fears added 18 points, while Jordan Poole and Karlo Matkovic each contributed 16.

The most important differences appeared in three-point shooting and turnovers. Portland made 16 three-pointers compared with New Orleans’ eight and committed only nine turnovers against the Pelicans’ 15.

Clingan’s offensive rebounding also helped Portland generate valuable second-chance opportunities.

Ultimately, the game demonstrated that individual scoring performances must be supported by team efficiency and consistent execution. Williamson had an outstanding scoring night, but Avdija’s combination of scoring and playmaking, supported by Portland’s perimeter shooting and rebounding, proved decisive.