CJ McCollum scored a season-high 40 factors because the New Orleans Pelicans beat the San Antonio Spurs 126-117 to finish their four-game NBA shedding streak.
Jonas Valanciunas had 16 factors and 10 rebounds for the Pelicans, who gained regardless of Zion Williamson being scratched from the lineup due to the NBA’s well being and security protocols.
The Pelicans – who additionally had been lacking forwards Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance Jr – made 13 three-pointers.
McCollum hit seven from deep, and his first gave New Orleans the lead for good at 3-2 within the opening minutes.
“We needed that type of production from him with the guys being out,” Pelicans coach Willie Green stated.
“It’s beautiful to watch when he’s on the floor and he’s scoring like he does.”
The Pelicans led by as many as 23 factors and opened the fourth quarter with a 19-point lead.
The Spurs acquired again within the recreation with a 10-0 run fuelled by Stanley Johnson, who scored 9 of his 12 factors within the last interval.
McCollum, nonetheless, nearly single-handedly saved the Spurs at bay.
His floater off the glass was the primary of 19 factors he scored in a pivotal seven-minute stretch.
The particular person outburst included 4 3s – one whereas McCollum was fouled for a 4-point play.
Malik Beasley scored 25 factors and Jordan Clarkson added 23 to energy the Utah Jazz previous the reeling Washington Wizards 120-112.
Lauri Markkanen had 21 factors and Collin Sexton returned from lacking seven video games with a proper hamstring damage to complete with 18 whereas taking part in simply 17 minutes because of a medical minutes restriction.
Bradley Beal scored 30 factors and Kyle Kuzma had 21, however the Wizards misplaced for the 14th time of their previous 16 video games.
