NEW YORK (AP) - Thanks to CJ McCollum’s season-high 40 points, the New Orleans Pelicans beat the San Antonio Spurs 126-117 on Thursday to end a four-game losing streak in the NBA.
The Pelicans, third in the Western Conference, led 94-75 at the end of the third quarter. Although they conceded 42 points to San Antonio in the fourth quarter, McCollum’s shooting, including seven of 14 3-point attempts, proved to be the difference.
Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Pelicans, which missed key men Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance Jr.
“It was great to see CJ have a night like he did, 40 points and the nine assists he had were impressive, we needed that kind of production from him with the guys who were out,” said Pelicans coach Willie Green.
“It is beautiful to watch when he is on the floor and scoring like he does and getting his team-mates involved. That is what we need from him every night,” Green added.
Jeremy Sochan scored a team-high 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Spurs.
Elsewhere, the Utah Jazz upset the Washington Wizards 120-112, with Malik Beasley scoring 25 points and Jordan Clarkson adding 23.