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Pelicans' C.J. McCollum Makes Franchise History in Win Over Wizards

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Jan 4, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans ended their 11-game losing streak on Friday night after defeating the Washington Wizards 132-120 behind a historic scoring performance from C.J. McCollum.

McCollum led the Pelicans in scoring in the win, tying his career-high with 50 points. He also knocked down 10 three-pointers in the game. With this performance, McCollum made Pelicans history as he became the first player in franchise history with 50 or more points and 10 or more threes made in a game.

The 33-year-old guard also made NBA history by scoring at least 50 points with 10 made three-pointers in 35 minutes or less. He joined Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson as the only other players to accomplish the feat. He also joined Anthony Davis and Jamal Mashburn as the only players in Pelicans history to score 50 points in a game.

While McCollum put together his best game of the season, the rest of the Pelicans’ roster also played well. Trey Murphy III scored 17 points, Dejounte Murray scored 11 points and dished out 12 assists and Yves Missi notched a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the win.

Jordan Poole led the way for the Wizards with 26 points, but it was not nearly enough for the Washington to take down New Orleans.

This game was a good sign for the Pelicans, as they were finally able to end their long losing streak. They once again played without Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, but they did see Jose Alvarado return after missing 22 games due to injury.

Although the Pelicans’ playoff hopes are basically already over, it is a good sign for both the rest of this season and for their future to see their players continue to play hard. They now look to pick up back-to-back wins as they take on the Wizards once again on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. EST.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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