The New Orleans Pelicans needed something special to break their early season woes – step forward CJ McCollum.
Heading into their battle of the bottom clash with the Washington Wizards the Pelicans were on an 11-game losing streak and were short on confidence.
One of their former stars Dyson Daniels recently called the side ‘cursed’, talk about hitting a team when they’re down.
However, just when they needed it most McCollum stood up with a 50-point performance to secure his side a 132-120 win.
Their victory does very little to improve their 6-29 record, but it could give them much-needed confidence heading forward.
The Pelicans had not won a game of basketball since December 6th against the Phoenix Suns before they triumphed over the Wizards.
They sit with the worst record in the NBA and also face losing one of their star players Zion Williamson, who is just returning from injury.
Despite the Pelicans’ struggles, McCollum is having his best scoring season for the side where he is averaging 22.7 points per game.
McCollum shot 66.6% of his field goals and 10-16 from behind the arc.
His coach Willie Green was certainly left impressed by his game-winning display against the Wizards, he told the media: “CJ was fantastic, his professionalism off the court allows him to step on the court day in and day out and perform at such a high level.
“He was incredible tonight, some of the shots he hit, he hit some tough ones, he hit some easy ones, he just had it going and we wanted to continue to get the ball to him.”
Following a much-needed win, the Pelicans players will feel like a weight has been lifted from their shoulders.
You could see the enjoyment and joking side of McCollum return in the post-match press conference when he spoke about his ‘crazy’ nickname.
Following a tweet from teammate Jose Alvarado which simply said ‘Yeah Grandpa… 50 ball!”, McCollum was asked if he really was just 33 years old.
He said: “First I was ‘Unc’, now I’m ‘Grandpa’ which is crazy. They can call me whatever they want man, it’s a sign of respect for the way I carry myself, the way I approach the game and take care of my family.
“I think they realise I can still hoop, I’m a man of many talents, I do things the right way and I think I’ve set the standard of how to take advantage of the game.”
The Pelicans will be hoping that McCollum’s brilliant display can push the team on to another victory when they face the Wizards in a rematch next time out.
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