CJ McCollum’s Hot Stretch Giving Pelicans Life

CJ McCollum has been shooting lights out for the New Orleans Pelicans. In his past eight games, he has averaged 28.5 points per game. He has knocked down 38 3-pointers in that span. He’s shot 48 percent from deep. New Orleans has won three of their last five games as they still sit at the bottom of the Western Conference. 

McCollum is averaging 22.7 points on the season. This is his tenth straight season averaging at least 20 points per game. He averaged exactly 20 points per game last year to keep his streak alive. McCollum has been an excellent source of offense. His three-pointers come from catch-and-shoot plays. 

The 2016 Most Improved Player has one of the best floaters in the league. As soon as he drives into the paint, he has an excellent touch from eight to ten feet out. The scoring outburst has impacted the Pelicans, as they averaged 121 points in their last three wins. McCollum is a microwave. 

Once he makes a shot, he’s not afraid to shoot it on the next possession. The veteran has gave Pelicans fans a few wins as of late on a season that has been derailed by injuries. The Pelicans averaged 107 points on the season, ranked last in the league. His offensive surge can certainly give the Pelicans a boost. As the third scoring option when the Pelicans are healthy, it gives McCollum more one on one opportunities. At the moment, with Zion Williamson in and out of the lineup and Brandon Ingram still sidelined, McCollum is earning his buckets as more attention from the defense is on him.