By necessity, Damian Lillard has played hero ball so often this season that it’s difficult to be awed by another sterling performance. "Our guys fought hard, but we just could not contain him at all," said Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy. The Blazers led by as many as 11 in the first quarter, but the Pelicans, shooting 52.2%, closed out the period with an 11-5 run. Ball’s 16 first-half points on 4-of-5 shooting from long range helped the Pelicans to a 39-24 edge in the second quarter and gave the Pelicans a 69-59 halftime lead. ... Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy said Williamson is expanding his game quickly by taking opponents off the dribble.

Source: Fox News February 18, 2021 12:22 UTC