Trail Blazers at Pelicans
Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans are one victory away from completing a stunning yet dominating four-game sweep. The sixth-seeded Pelicans look to finish off their demolition of the third-seeded Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday when the Western Conference first-round series resumes in New Orleans.
New Orleans dismantled the Trail Blazers in Game 3 and led by as many as 33 points in the convincing 119-102 victory. Coach Alvin Gentry and veteran point guard Rajon Rondo both emphasized that the Pelicans need to close it out in Game 4 as the franchise looks to reach the second round for the first time since 2008. Portland seemingly has no answers on how to stop New Orleans and is focused on avoiding the sweep and then letting things play out. "We've got to figure it out," shooting guard CJ McCollum told reporters. "Dig deep, understand that it still can be a long series if we can get a win here and get back home."
TV: 5 p.m. ET, TNT, NBCS Northwest (Portland), FS New Orleans
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS: The guard-oriented offense isn't working well with star Damian Lillard struggling and McCollum's 9-of-16 shooting in Game 3 representing his best effort of the series. McCollum scored 22 points in Game 3 and is averaging 21 in the series, while Lillard scored a series-high 20 in Game 3 but is a dismal 18-of-55 shooting through three games. "As much as they've played well and we haven't, three games to zero, that doesn't mean that it's over with," Lillard insisted to reporters on Friday. "That don't mean that we walk around here defeated. We just gotta get one. The series can change after one game, especially going back home."
ABOUT THE PELICANS: Forward Nikola Mirotic is enjoying a superb series and is averaging 21 points after exploding for 30 points on 12-of-15 shooting in Game 3. Mirotic has made 11 3-pointers while averaging nine rebounds, 2.3 blocked shots and 1.7 steals in the series and the Trail Blazers seem to have no answer on how to handle the trio of Davis, guard Jrue Holiday and Mirotic, who was acquired from the Chicago Bulls at the end of January after DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) was lost for the season. "I knew I was capable to have games like this, but I never want to force any shots and always want to play simple, play for my teammates the same way they play for me," Mirotic told reporters after Game 3. "I just want to show them they were right to bring me here."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Davis is averaging 28.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 2.3 steals in the series.
2. Portland swingman Evan Turner (toe) is questionable after missing Game 4.
3. New Orleans recorded 16 steals while forcing 24 turnovers in Game 3.