New Orleans Pelicans Shooting Guard had a career night on Friday at home against the Washington Wizards. He tied his career high with 50 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field and a whopping 10 three-pointers. He last scored 50 points in January 2018 against the Chicago Bulls.
McCollum has had a solid season with the New Orleans Pelicans. He is averaging 22.7 points per game to go along with 3.8 rebounds, and 4 assists. He missed nearly a month earlier in the season following a right abductor strain he suffered in late October. Will yesterday’s performance be a sign of better things to come for McCollum and the New Orleans Pelicans?
New Orleans Pelicans Season Summary
CJ GOES OFF AND TIES HIS CAREER-HIGH 🔥@CJMcCollum | @PelicansNBA pic.twitter.com/FauCOpDA1H
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 4, 2025
It has been a miserable regular season for the Pelicans. With a 6-29 record, they have the worst record in the NBA. The biggest issue for the team this season has been injuries. Small Forward Brandon Ingram has been sidelined since December 7 with an ankle injury. Power Forward Zion Williamson has only played six games this season due to a hamstring injury. New Orleans entered the season with lofty expectations but has fallen short of them thus far this year.
McCollum’s performance against the Wizards helped the Pelicans break their 11-game losing streak. New Orleans is 26th in the league in scoring, 28th in field goal percentage, and averages the second-fewest made threes per game. The team’s defense has also not been anything to brag about. They are 25th in points allowed, 30th in opposing field goal percentage, and 22nd in defensive rebounds.
Final Thoughts
McCollum and the New Orleans Pelicans visit the Wizards on Sunday for the second half of a home-and-home. They then host the Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers to begin next week. Friday’s performance was one of the few bright spots in a miserable season for the New Orleans Pelicans.
