The New Orleans Pelicans wanted one thing particular to beat their early season woes — CJ McCollum stepped ahead.
The Pelicans confronted a last-place showdown with the Washington Wizards, missing confidence after dropping 11 straight video games.
One of many former star gamers, Dyson Daniels, just lately known as the crew “cursed” and talked about attacking when the crew is down.
However simply when it was wanted, McCollum stepped up with a 50-point efficiency to steer his crew to a 132-120 victory.
Their win did little to enhance their 6-29 report, however it may give them some much-needed confidence going ahead.
Previous to their win over the Wizards, the Pelicans had not received a basketball sport since Dec. 6 towards the Phoenix Suns.
They’ve the worst report within the NBA and are additionally dealing with the lack of considered one of their stars, Zion Williamson, who simply returned from damage.
Regardless of the Pelicans’ struggles, McCollum is having his greatest scoring season with the Pelicans, averaging 22.7 factors per sport.
McCollum made 66.6 p.c of his area objectives and went 10-16 from behind the arc.
His coach Willie Inexperienced instructed the media that he was definitely impressed together with his efficiency within the win towards the Wizards. excessive stage.
“He was unbelievable tonight. Some pictures he hit, some exhausting pictures, some straightforward pictures. He was simply on a roll. We needed to maintain getting the ball to him.”
The Pelicans gamers will really feel as if a weight has been lifted off their shoulders after their long-awaited victory.
McCollum’s enjoyable and playful aspect was on show when he talked about his nickname “Loopy” within the post-game press convention.
McCollum was requested if he was actually solely 33 after teammate Jose Alvarado merely tweeted, “Yeah, grandpa…50 balls!”
he stated: “First I used to be ‘uncle,’ and now I am ‘grandpa.’ It is loopy. They will name me no matter they need, it is simply the way in which I reside, the way in which I method the sport, It is a signal of respect for the way in which you take care of your loved ones.
“I believe they perceive that I can nonetheless hoop. I am a man with a whole lot of expertise and I believe I’ve set the usual for do issues the proper manner and make the most of the sport.”
The Pelicans shall be hoping that McCollum’s robust efficiency will propel them to a different victory of their subsequent rematch with the Wizards.
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