CJ McCollum made a career-high 11 3-pointers in the New Orleans Pelicans’ 127-116 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. The 10-year veteran scored a season-high 42 points with four rebounds, five assists and two steals in 36 minutes.
Additionally, he shot 13-of-20 (65%) from the floor and 11-of-16 (68.8%) from beyond the arc. In the second quarter, the Pelicans guard knocked down three straight 3-pointers in 42 seconds. Zion Williamson finished the game with 36 points.
Citing several NBA betting sites, C.J. McCollum and the Pelicans have the 10th-best odds to win the championship in 2023. Several sportsbooks are showing better odds for the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies.
New franchise record 🚨
CJ McCollum with his 11th three of the game!
Up to 42 points 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JwQ0oRSHzr
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 31, 2022
In the year On November 6, 2007, in the Hornets (now Pelicans) 118-104 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, forward Peja Stojaković set a previous franchise record with 10 3s on 76.9% shooting. The Croatian baller had 36 points, five rebounds and one block in 39 minutes of shooting.
“It’s just a credit to working hard and believing in yourself and taking the game seriously,” said CJ McCollum on setting a new franchise record. “Peja is obviously a hero who shoots the ball well. Nights like these come with preparation.
CJ McCollum set a Pelicans franchise record with a career-high 11 3-pointers in a 127-116 win over the 76ers.
McCollum hit his 11th 3-pointer with 2:26 left in the fourth quarter. “When he plays with that kind of energy and speed — it was great to get up to speed, and now he’s gone,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said.
“As the game progressed, the basket got bigger. That’s how it should be played. He may not have 40 per game, but he will have a big impact. It was the guard’s second 40-point game this season.
In New Orleans’ 126-117 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Dec. 22, C.J. McCollum had 40 points, eight boards, nine assists, one steal and two blocks in 38 minutes. He shot 14-of-27 (51.9%) from the field and 7-of-14 (50%) from deep.
“You know what, he’s been on one.”
Zion hits CJ McCollum’s franchise record and career high 11 threes tonight 🤣🎯 pic.twitter.com/Oc4HIaVHqJ
— NBA (@NBA) December 31, 2022
In 31 starts this season, McCollum is averaging 20.1 points and career highs of 5.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. To add to these stats, he is posting 1.1 steals per contest on 42.3% shooting from the floor and 39.2% from beyond the arc.
Are his latest records a sign of things to come? During the offseason, the guard signed a two-year, $64 million veteran contract extension with New Orleans. CJ McCollum will make $33,333,333 in the 2024-25 season and $30,666,666 in the 2025-26 season.
The 31-year-old is under his current contract and cannot be traded until March 24, 2023. Based on his performance in December, the front office should retain him. GM Trajan Langdon shouldn’t fix what isn’t broken. With Williamson and McCollum healthy, the Pelicans are one of the best teams in the West.
