PHILADELPHIA — CJ McCollum showcased an impressive performance by scoring 38 points, guiding the New Orleans Pelicans past the Philadelphia 76ers with a final score of 123-115 on Friday night.
The Pelicans managed to secure the win despite being without their star player, Zion Williamson, who was suspended for a game due to repeated tardiness to practices and flights. Additionally, the team was missing forward Herb Jones, known for his defensive prowess, who is out indefinitely due to a tear in his right shoulder’s posterior labrum.
McCollum’s standout performance propelled the Pelicans, now boasting eight victories this season, against a 76ers squad that was also missing their All-Star center, Joel Embiid. Embiid sat out his third consecutive game due to a sprained left foot, increasing his total absences this season to 23.
For the 76ers, Paul George contributed 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Tyrese Maxey recorded 30 points and provided 12 assists. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 21 points to the team’s effort.
Key takeaways from the game include the fact that the Pelicans broke a two-game losing streak, achieving only their third victory since December 7. Jordan Hawkins played a significant role with 21 points, and Dejounte Murray contributed 17 points along with 10 rebounds.
In contrast, while Joel Embiid is undoubtedly a pivotal figure for the 76ers, the team’s struggles in his absence have been notable; they hold a dismal record of 8-15 when he does not play. Just earlier this week, the Sixers barely managed to fend off a struggling Wizards team. With a record of 15-21, they now aim solely to qualify for the play-in tournament.
A defining moment in the game came when Hawkins hit a crucial three-pointer in the third quarter, giving New Orleans a 70-67 advantage, followed by a three from Murray that extended the lead to 76-67. The Pelicans managed to fend off any significant runs by the 76ers thereafter, and McCollum capped the victory with a three-pointer in the fourth quarter, later sealing the game with a 12-foot step-back jumper.
Highlighting McCollum’s efficiency, he successfully made six three-pointers and completed 13 of 24 shot attempts from the field.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will face off against the Boston Celtics on Sunday, while the 76ers will travel to Orlando for their next matchup.
