Watch: CJ McCollum scores 50 points in win over Wizards

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) reacts to scoring his 50th point against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Watch: Pelicans' CJ McCollum scores 50 points in win over Wizards

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jan 3, 2025 11:05 PM ET

Not much has gone right for the New Orleans Pelicans this season. They are 6-29 on the season, and stars Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson have both missed time due to injuries.

CJ McCollum brought a bit of life to the Smoothie King Center on Friday, tying his career high with 50 points in a win over the Wizards.

50-PIECE for CJ McCollum ‼️ pic.twitter.com/bZIWlCZx8J
— NBA (@NBA) January 4, 2025

When you go 10-of-16 from three-point range, you are going to score a lot of points, and that is exactly what McCollum did.

McCollum's season high in three-pointers made before Friday was eight. Those eight threes came less than a week ago against the Clippers. The 50 points was also a season high, topping the mark of 36 he set on Dec. 12 against the Kings.

CJ McCollum: 1 of 3 players in NBA history to have a game with 50 PTS & 10 3PM in less than 35 MIN (via @StatMamba)@CJMcCollum | @Gatorade pic.twitter.com/6SpvtmQ94Z
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 4, 2025

With everything the city of New Orleans has been through this entire week, it was fitting that the Pelicans would have a player perform like this at a time when the city needed it more than ever.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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