CJ McCollum continued his hot streak and the New Orleans Pelicans got a much-needed win against the Phoenix Suns to claw closer to the play-in tournament.
The win put the Pelicans just a game behind the Portland Trail Blazers for the 10th position after the Blazers were routed by the Warriors. The Lakers also lost last night, so the Pels inched al little closer to them as well.
It was another amazing game for CJ McCollum who has averaged 29 points, six rebounds and 5.1 assists since being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans just before the deadline.
It appears as though the Pelicans are starting to gel and answer some of the questions we had about this team down the stretch.
Here are three takeaways from a nice road win over the Suns.
CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram go off
This was really the first game that Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum have gone off in the same night, as they combined for 60 points and carried the New Orleans Pelicans.
If this duo can continue to build chemistry, the Pels are going to be tough to stop (especially when Zion Williamson returns) as both can handle the ball, initiate the offense, set up teammates or get their own shot, leaving defenses to choose their poison when it comes to double teaming.
They had 11 combined assists and just three turnovers, and if this continues, it will allow the Pelicans to keep Jaxson Hayes in the starting lineup and bring guards Devonte’ Graham and Jose Alvarado off the bench, which should hopefully open up their games as well.
It has taken a few games but BI and CJ are figuring it out and could be one of the NBA’s most-effective duos down the stretch.