Pelicans news: CJ McCollum is sizzling from long range

We knew it was only a matter of time before CJ McCollum would get hot for the New Orleans Pelicans.

McCollum had been in a little funk this season, putting up the lowest shooting percentages of his career and averaging under 20 points per game for the first time in eight seasons. But that has all changed of late, as McCollum has busted out of his slump just when the New Orleans Pelicans need him most.

After last night’s 40-point explosion, CJ McCollum is now at 19.4 points per game on the season, and right back on track to getting to his normal averages. He’s one of the best professional scorers in the NBA, a consistent bucket-getter who is reminding fans that he can carry an offense when needed.

The Pelicans certainly need him now, as they are shorthanded with Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Larry Nance Jr. on the bench, so CJ picked a great time to get hot. He’s been getting it done from all over the floor, but is really sizzling from long range.

New Orleans Pelicans: CJ McCollum is red-hot from 3-point range

Over his last four games, McCollum has averaged 31.5 points, 7.5 assists and six rebounds, so he is doing it all for the Pelicans right now. McCollum’s shooting percentages may be down slightly this season, but he is averaging the most rebounds and assists of his career.

He’s been especially adept at grabbing boards in clutch time when the Pelicans often go small and rely on everyone to pitch in on the boards, especially when they switch on the pick and roll and leave one of their bigs on a guard away from the hoop.

In this four-game stretch, McCollum is shooting 49.5 percent from the field overall and an outstanding 51.3 percent from 3-point range on 9.8 attempts per game, pretty much peak Steph Curry numbers from the 3-point line.

He’s now up to 36 percent on the season and getting closer to his career averages, which we knew would happen at some point.

It couldn’t come at a better time, as the Pels need him more than ever with their two leading scorers on the bench. McCollum will try to keep rolling tonight against the Thunder and will once again be tasked with carrying the shorthanded offense.