CJ McCollum dazzled with 33 points, tying his season-best, by sinking 9 out of 13 3-pointers. In comparison, Zion Williamson contributed 17 points and a career-high 11 assists, driving the New Orleans Pelicans to a record-breaking 153-124 win over the Utah Jazz during Tuesday’s NBA action.
This scoring feat surpassed the Pelicans’ previous game-high 149 points, which they had set against the Sacramento Kings in October 2018. Additionally, the team established a new franchise record with 41 assists on their 60 successful field goals.
Pelicans coach Willie Green praised the team’s performance, highlighting McCollum’s vital role in energizing the squad.
“It was just an incredible performance by the guys in that locker room, sharing the basketball, rebounding,” Green said. “CJ ignited the whole group. He got us going early. It’s extremely gratifying to see the team buy into what we’re trying to accomplish. It’s great for them to continue to trust that if the shots are open for us, we’re going to take them.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: CJ McCollum, Zion Williams, New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz Updates
Playing as a point forward from the start, Williamson showcased his playmaking skills, a role he has occasionally filled at quarter-ends but not typically at game beginnings alongside Brandon Ingram.
“It’s just the coaches and my teammates trusting me to be ‘Point Zion’ throughout most of the game to get a feel for the game and where my teammates are going to be,” Williamson said. “The coaches asked, ‘What is your mindset at the beginning of a game?’ and it was to get the lay of the land. The coaches told me I needed to be more aggressive at the start of the game.”
Herb Jones scored 22 points for the Pelicans, with Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas adding 18 and 17 points, respectively. McCollum’s overall 11-of-17 shooting contributed to the team’s impressive 57.1% field goal percentage.
McCollum attributed his dynamic performance to a beneficial three-day break filled with rest, practice, and film review following a loss to Phoenix.
“The NBA should give us three days in between games more often,” McCollum said, laughing.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: CJ McCollum, Zion Williams, New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz Updates
Utah, enduring its third straight loss, saw Collin Sexton lead with 22 points and seven assists, followed by Simone Fontecchio with 18 points. Jazz coach Will Hardy expressed concern over the team’s recent performances.
“The reality of tonight’s game, the reality of the last three games … is we just aren’t playing hard enough,” Hardy said. “I think tonight was a cumulation of us just not playing hard enough in the moment. They had 65 points in second chance and transition. To give up 35 points in transition on a night when you only have eight turnovers is not very good.”
A pivotal moment came in the third quarter when Jones blocked John Collins’ layup and secured a steal, leading to two quick Pelicans’ layups, extending their lead to 12. The Pelicans outpaced the Jazz 24-8 in the last 6:32 of the quarter, with Green lauding Jones’ block as a game-changer.
“That changed the game for us — Herb’s block on Collins,” Green said. “Herb Jones made two incredible plays that changed the momentum of the game.”
The Pelicans’ explosive 43-29 second quarter they established a 77-59 halftime advantage, marking their highest-scoring first half this season. They were formidable from beyond the arc, contrasting their recent loss to the Suns.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: CJ McCollum, Zion Williams, New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz Updates
McCollum’s flawless five three-pointers in the first half and Jones’ trio from the corner underscored their first-half dominance. Sexton’s 16 points kept the Jazz in contention initially.
Looking forward, the Jazz face the Washington Wizards on Thursday, continuing their six-game road trip, while the Pelicans host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.
