"It took awhile, but the Trail Blazers eventually asserted their authority in a 94-86 victory over New Orleans Friday night at New Orleans Arena.

Jamal Crawford scored a season-high 31 points to go with eight assists in 30 minutes off the bench as Portland (15-12) won for only the fourth time in 13 tries on the road.

The Blazers were going against a terrible New Orleans team decimated by injuries. The Hornets (4-23) were missing five of their top eight scorers – Jarrett Jack (knee), Eric Gordon (knee), Carl Landry (knee), Chris Kaman (ankle) and Jason Smith (concussion).

The remaining cast gave Portland all it could handle almost to the end.

"We needed to get a win," said Nate McMillan, whose Blazers had lost their previous two games, both at home. "Sometimes it's not about how you win but the fact that you won.

"New Orleans scrapped, played hard and with heart. That team competed tonight. But we did the things we needed to do down the stretch."

The Hornets led through much of the first half, going into intermission ahead 46-42 despite .500 shooting by the Blazers. The hosts extended the margin to 57-48 before Crawford ignited the Blazers, who closed the third quarter on a 22-10 run to go into the final frame ahead 70-67."