The ongoing matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans took a dramatic turn on November 13, 2025. A notable on-court fight led to the ejection of two key players: Jerami Grant from the Blazers and Yves Missi from the Pelicans. The incident occurred during the second quarter of the game at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
Details of the On-Court Fight
Both players were involved in a physical altercation while fighting for position beneath the basket. The confrontation escalated when Missi reportedly grabbed Grant by the neck. Following a review of the incident, officials decided to eject both players from the game.
Technical Fouls Issued
In addition to the ejections, two other players received technical fouls. Blazers shooting guard Shaedon Sharpe and Pelicans forward Herbert Jones received these penalties after intervening in the altercation. Fortunately for them, they both remained in the game.
- Jerami Grant: 2 points, 1-of-3 shooting, 2 rebounds, 1 assist in 8:27 of play.
- Yves Missi: 1 block in 2:03 of play.
Despite the chaos, the Pelicans led the game at halftime, with a score of 59-57.
Coaching Status Under Scrutiny
As the Pelicans struggle with a dismal start to the 2025-26 season, head coach Willie Green finds himself under increasing pressure. New Orleans currently holds a 2-8 record, placing them at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The team’s challenging situation is further complicated as they lack their own draft pick for 2026, limiting their options for building a stronger roster.
Green’s future as head coach may be at risk, as his team’s inconsistent performance raises questions about his leadership. The Pelicans’ management, led by new general manager Joe Dumars, faces scrutiny over decisions that have contributed to their current struggles.
Conclusion
The fight between Grant and Missi not only affected the game’s outcome but also highlighted the broader issues plaguing both teams. As they move forward, the Trail Blazers and Pelicans will aim to focus on gameplay and team dynamics while navigating a competitive NBA landscape.
