A magician performed at halftime of the New Orleans Pelicans’ home game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.

If only he could sprinkle some of his halftime magic on the Pelicans.

Not long after the magician left the court, the Pelicans returned from the locker room and did what is becoming the norm this season: they disappeared for a part of the third quarter.

The Blazers went on a 15-2 run in the quarter and ended up handing the Pelicans their ninth loss of the season.

Once again, it was a third quarter lull that did them in.

“We’ve got to finish third quarters,” said Pelicans forward Trey Murphy. “We’ve got to come out and start third quarters very well. We’re not starting third quarters well and teams are continuing to go on runs. It’s the same old song and dance.

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