This is why the New Orleans Pelicans traded for CJ McCollum

The New Orleans Pelicans beat the Spurs 113-103 with help from CJ McCollum and will advance to play the Clippers for the 8th seed in the NBA Playoffs.

It was a back and forth game in the 1st quarter , but CJ McCollum turned it up in the second to score 19 points and finished the half with 27 points. CJ finished with 32 points on 52 percent shooting.

The Pelicans needed it, as Brandon Ingram was in foul trouble and only played 30 minutes. He was still able to score 27 points including this monstrous poster on Zach Collins.

Jose Alvarado was a spark off of the bench and finished the game with 12 points. The bench was outscored 32-20, but made important hustle plays that helped keep the momentum for New Orleans.

Willie Green stuck with his 10-man rotation with Naji Marshall playing 12 minutes, Larry Nance Jr. playing 14 minutes and Devonte’ Graham playing just seven minutes and scoring zero points.

Alvarado was more effective on both ends and should continue to see more playing time than Devonte’ Graham, who has been in an extended slump.

But it was CJ McCollum who carried the Pelicans early, providing the calming veteran presence that the young Pelicans needed. This was the reason the Pels went out and traded for McCollum, as they needed someone who had some playoff experience and the ability to carry the offense at times.

The Smoothie King Center was rocking, which also helped propel the Pelicans to victory. Postgame, Willie Green said, “It was so loud in there we could barely hear each other. That was playoff atmosphere type of basketball.”

Even if the Pelicans fail to make the playoffs, they are getting their young guys reps in big games in a playoff atmosphere and showing why trading for CJ McCollum was the right move.