MCCOLLUM TALLIES 40 FOR PELICANS
CJ McCollum scored a season-high 40 points and the visiting New Orleans Pelicans beat the San Antonio Spurs 126-117 on Thursday night to end their fourgame losing streak.
Jonas Valanciunas had 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Pelicans, who won despite Zion Williamson being scratched from the lineup because of the NBA’s health and safety protocols.
The Pelicans — who also were missing forwards Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance Jr. — made 13 3-pointers. McCollum hit seven from deep, and his first gave New Orleans the lead for good at 3-2 in the opening minutes.
“We needed that type of production from him with the guys being out,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said. “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 points and opened the fourth quarter with a 19-point lead.
The Spurs got back in the game with a 10-0 run fueled by Stanley Johnson, who scored nine of his 12 points in the final period.
McCollum, however, almost single-handedly kept the Spurs at bay. His floater off the glass was the first of 19 points he scored in a pivotal seven-minute stretch. The individual outburst included
Pelicans 126, Spurs 117
four 3s — one while McCollum was fouled for a 4point play.
“McCollum dominated the game from the very beginning,” reserve center Willy Hernangomez said. “I’m happy for CJ. He’s been really getting his rhythm back. Today was a big game for him.”
Jazz 120, Wizards 112: Malik Beasley scored 25 points and Jordan Clarkson added 23 to power host Utah past reeling Washington.
Lauri Markkanen had 21 points and Collin Sexton returned from missing seven games with a right hamstring injury to finish with 18 while playing just 17 minutes because of a medical minutes restriction.
Bradley Beal scored 30 points and Kyle Kuzma had 21, but the Wizards lost for the 14th time in their last 16 games.
Beal scored Washington’s first 12 points of the fourth quarter, but the Wizards fell to 2-8 when Beal is their leading scorer.
Late Wednesday Clippers 126, Hornets 105:
Paul George scored 26 points and Kawhi Leonard had 16 as host Los Angeles routed Charlotte.
Kings 134, Lakers 120: Domantas Sabonis had 13 points, 21 rebounds and 12 assists for host Sacramento.