The New Orleans Pelicans came up huge in the fourth quarter to pull away in the scoreboard. CJ McCollum made that possible shooting the lights out in Sacramento. Both teams were in desperate need for a win to try to avoid the play-in tournament. The Sacramento Kings had no answers against McCollum as he torched them with 31 points.
CJ continues to play at a very high level. He's had a fantastic season closure, scoring a ton of points. In his last 5 games he's scored 36, 31,31, 39 and tonight again tying his 31-point mark. McCollum's game has elevated since Brandon Ingram injured his knee. Luckily for the Pelicans, Ingram is returning on Sunday. Perfect timing as the entire New Orleans squad is arriving the playoffs in really good form. Winning the next two games will guarantee the coveted 6th spot.
The 11-year veteran has always been a solid scorer but this year, he made a major improve with his three-point shot, averaging 41.7% from beyond the arc. The following footage is the best evidence.
"You trained for this. This is what we talked about in the summer. You knew what you were gonna have to do this year for us and you're doing it. You came back in elite conditioning", said head coach Willie Green to his shooting guard at the bench.
How deep into the playoffs can the Pelicans go?