In a season mired by struggles and setbacks, the New Orleans Pelicans finally have reason to celebrate. Led by a sensational 50-point eruption from star guard CJ McCollum, the Pelicans snapped their demoralizing 11-game losing streak with a resounding 132-120 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night.
McCollum’s Magnificent Night
CJ McCollum was absolutely unstoppable, tying his career high with a sizzling 50-point performance. The sharpshooting guard was locked in from the opening tip, connecting on a blistering 18 of 27 shots from the field, including a scorching 10 of 16 from beyond the arc.
CJ was incredible tonight. Some of the shots he was hitting, he hit tough ones, he hit easy ones. We just wanted to continue getting the ball to him.
– Pelicans coach Willie Green
McCollum’s efficiency was off the charts, needing just 30 minutes and 40 seconds of playing time to amass his 50-point night. Remarkably, this marks the second time in his career that he’s scored 50 or more points in under 31 minutes of action.
Pelicans Find Offensive Balance
While McCollum stole the show, the Pelicans received valuable contributions up and down the roster. Trey Murphy III chipped in 17 points, while Brandon Boston provided a spark off the bench with 13. Rookie big man Yves Missi impressed with a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double in the victory.
New Orleans’ offense was clicking on all cylinders, with six players reaching double figures in scoring. The balanced attack was a welcome sight for a team that had struggled mightily to put points on the board during their prolonged losing streak.
Wizards Woes Continue
For the Wizards, the loss drops them to 6-26 on the season, tied with the Pelicans for the fewest wins in the NBA. Jordan Poole led Washington with 24 points, but a hard fall in the third quarter sidelined him briefly and limited his effectiveness down the stretch.
Rookie center Alexandre Sarr had a solid outing with 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pelicans’ offensive onslaught. The Wizards will need to regroup quickly as they look to snap out of their own prolonged funk.
A Moment of Reflection
The Pelicans’ victory was especially poignant, coming in their first home game since the tragic New Year’s Day attack in the French Quarter. The team held a moment of silence before tipoff to honor the victims of the senseless violence that has left the city reeling.
In the face of tragedy, the Pelicans showed tremendous heart and resilience. CJ McCollum’s career night provided a much-needed bright spot for a community in mourning.
– ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins
Looking Ahead
For the Pelicans, snapping their 11-game skid is a step in the right direction, but there’s still a long road ahead. At 6-29, New Orleans finds itself in a deep hole, and it will take a monumental effort to climb back into playoff contention.
- Consistency is key – The Pelicans must build off this win and string together a series of solid performances.
- McCollum’s leadership – As the veteran leader, CJ McCollum needs to continue setting the tone on and off the court.
While one win won’t magically cure all that ails the Pelicans, it’s a much-needed glimmer of hope in an otherwise trying season. If they can bottle up the energy and execution they displayed against the Wizards, brighter days may lie ahead in the Big Easy.
