Blazers, Pelicans Clash Ends in Ejections and Tension

New Orleans, Louisiana — The Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans faced a heated matchup on Wednesday night that ended with two players ejected due to a physical altercation.

During the second quarter at the Smoothie King Center, reserve players Jerami Grant of the Trail Blazers and Yves Missi of the Pelicans got into a confrontation while battling for positioning beneath the basket. According to Joe Freeman of The Oregonian, the situation escalated dramatically when Missi grabbed Grant by the neck.

Following the incident, both teams’ players stepped in to separate the combatants. Shaedon Sharpe from Portland and Herbert Jones from New Orleans were assessed technical fouls for their involvement, although both continued to play for the remainder of the game.

According to Freeman, Grant completed the night with two points, shooting 1 of 3 from the field, alongside two rebounds and one assist in just over eight minutes of play. Missi managed to tally one block in a mere two minutes of game time.

Despite being a crucial bench player, Grant’s contribution was limited, while Missi’s role has diminished this season as he falls behind rookie Derik Queen and veteran center Kevon Looney, who joined the team as a free agent.

As the game reached halftime, the Pelicans led by a mere two points, 59-57. Coach Willie Green, already facing criticism, is steering a Pelicans team struggling with a 2-8 record so far this season, placing them last in the tough Western Conference.

The Pelicans lack their own draft pick for the upcoming 2026 draft, complicating their options for improvement moving forward. Green’s leadership may come into question, especially since new general manager Joe Dumars was responsible for the past trades affecting their future.

The match highlighted not just the tension on the court but also the challenges facing the Pelicans as they navigate a difficult season.