Tag: CJ McCollum

Takeaways: In loss to Pelicans, Rockets bullied inside by Zion Williamson, Jonas Valanciunas

Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas combined for 47 points, 17 rebounds, and 13 assists on 64% shooting as New Orleans bullied Houston in Thursday’s blowout loss.

In their first game coming out of the NBA’s 2024 All-Star break, the Rockets (24-31) continued their road misery with Thursday’s 127-105 loss (box score) in New Orleans. Houston is 5-22 away from home this season and has lost six of its last seven, overall, while the Pelicans (34-22) won for the eighth time in nine games.

Houston’s frontcourt of Alperen Sengun, Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith Jr. struggled to offer much resistance against the bruising, physical front line of Jonas Valanciunas and Zion Williamson.

Key statistics for the Pelicans included:

  • Valanciunas: 20 points, 14 rebounds in 27 minutes; 9-of-12 shooting (75%), 2-of-2 on 3-pointers
  • Williamson: 27 points, 10 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals in 35 minutes; 12-of-21 shooting (57.1%)
  • C.J. McCollum: 28 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists in 31 minutes; 11-of-22 shooting (50%), 4-of-10 on 3-pointers (40%)

Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 20 points and 9 rebounds while shooting 6-of-9 from the field (66.7%). However, many of those statistics were tallied in the second half of a blowout, and his defense against Valanciunas left much to be desired.

On the perimeter, it was another subpar shooting night for Jalen Green, who finished with 10 points in 24 minutes while shooting 3-of-14 from the field (21.4%) and 2-of-8 on 3-pointers (25%).

Rookie guard Amen Thompson was the bright spot for Houston, finishing with a career-high 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting (69.2%) and 1-of-3 from 3-point range (33.3%). The athletic 6-foot-7 reserve also stuffed the stat sheet with 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks.

Tari Eason (left lower leg injury management) remained sidelined for the Rockets, who have not seen their versatile second-year forward play since Jan. 1. Houston is 12-10 with Eason this season and 12-21 without him. Brandon Ingram (illness) was out for the Pelicans.

Here’s our look at Thursday’s highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and fans. Fortunately for the Rockets, next up is Friday’s game versus Phoenix at Toyota Center, where Houston is 19-9 this season. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. Central.

CJ McCollum’s reaction to a wild tweet about his collapsed lung diagnosis was so valid

This graphic did CJ McCollum so dirty here.

New York Pelicans guard CJ McCollum got a pretty scary diagnosis on Sunday.

After the Pelicans game on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks, McCollum was diagnosed with a partially collapsed lung. Over the next few days, McCollum will undergo additional examinations to determine the best route for healing.

On Twitter, McCollum at least seemed to be in high spirits with his hilarious reaction to a tweet from an account called Basketball Forever. The account tweeted a graphic announcing McCollum’s injury with a picture of the guard with his hand on his chest.

McCollum, and NBA fans, couldn’t believe the tweet.

They didn’t have to do McCollum like that!

CJ McCollum: There’s a real sense of urgency with our squad this upcoming season

CJ McCollum, who has averaged 20-plus points per season every year since 2015-16, hopes to help guide the Pelicans deep into the playoffs in the rugged Western Conference. With a partnership with Pampers, McCollum took time from his busy schedule to …

CJ McCollum, who has averaged 20-plus points per season every year since 2015-16, hopes to help guide the Pelicans deep into the playoffs in the rugged Western Conference.

With a partnership with Pampers, McCollum took time from his busy schedule to talk with HoopsHype about the different mindset with his teammates this upcoming season, his reaction to Terry Stotts stepping down, his relationship with Damian Lillard, and more.

League Commissioner Adam Silver on his four favorite players in NBA history

Operating with his usual concern for decorum, Silver chose to limit his reply to former players.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver tries to remain as impartial as possible in the conduct of his job, but it’s pretty hard to be the public face of a sport one is not at least a little bit of a fan of.

Silver was asked who his four favorite players were in an interview with New Orleans Pelicans star and occasional media member CJ McCollum.

Operating with his usual concern for decorum, Silver chose to limit his reply to former players, and those he actually has worked with. “So No. 1, Bill Russell, who I (was) fortunate to spend a lot of time with,” the commissioner said.

“No. 2, Michael Jordan, of course, (as) one of the owners in our league,” continued Silver. “No. 3, Magic Johnson, who’s a licensee of the league and currently an owner of the WNBA Sparks.”

“And No. 4, Larry Bird, president of basketball with the Indiana Pacers.”

The league’s head honcho balanced his choices across the Boston Celtics, the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers , the three greatest dynasties of his lifetime. Given the current distribution of titles in league history (17 titles each for Boston and LA plus MJ’s GOAT career) and the parameters Silver set for himself in answering the question, that’s about as diplomatic as it can get.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Young Rockets center Alperen Sengun earns respect of veteran Jonas Valanciunas

“He is playing hard, and he is talented,” Jonas Valančiūnas says of Alperen Sengun. “He has a bright future. We were battling, and he is not backing down, and that is what I like.” #Rockets

HOUSTON — Coming into the two-game home series against the New Orleans Pelicans always appeared to be a tough battle for the young and upcoming Rockets. Although they had won back-to-back games against the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, two teams currently positioned to be a part of the 2023 NBA playoffs, New Orleans presented a conundrum for the home team.

The Pelicans’ ability to score from the perimeter with a solid tandem of C.J. McCollum and Brandon Ingram while having a strong low-post presence with Jonas Valančiūnas has often caused issues for Houston.

Houston split the weekend series, but the games were about more than results. Instead, it was about a young Rockets team growing and developing as the 2022-23 season dwindles to a close.

In the NBA, it’s not easy being a 20-year-old player in his second season who is still learning the game. That’s especially the case when matched up against a very physical and crafty 10-year veteran who knows all the tricks to score and draw fouls in the paint.

That’s what Rockets starting center Alperen Sengun was asked to do against Valančiūnas. The Turkish big man was going to be difficult when he saw the games on the schedule, and he was up for the challenge — no matter what the outcomes would be.

Although Valančiūnas won the two-game battle on the interior by averaging 21.5 points and 14.5 rebounds per game, Sengun made him work hard for the majority of each game.

“I told him after the game that I thought his effort on the defensive end was his best effort all season,” Rockets head coach Stephen Silas said of Sengun following Sunday’s game. “I was really proud of Alpi and his defensive effort tonight.”

Silas wasn’t the only one who recognized Sengun’s work. His opponent acknowledged the work of Houston’s young center, as well.

“He is playing hard, and he is talented,” said Valančiūnas. “He has a bright future. If he is going to keep working and keep doing what he does, he is going to be good. We were battling, and he is not backing down, and that is what I like. He is tough, and if he is going to continue doing that, he is going to be good, for sure.”

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Jalen Green drops efficient 40 points as Pelicans hold off Rockets

The Pelicans got revenge after Friday’s wild finish, but Jalen Green showed promising signs with his fifth 40+ point game of the past year, and it came on strong efficiency. #Rockets

The New Orleans Pelicans got some revenge on the Rockets in Sunday’s 117-107 final (box score) at Toyota Center. But within the context of Houston’s obvious rebuilding movement, there were more positive signs from one of their most promising prospects.

Second-year Rockets guard Jalen Green finished with the fifth 40+ point game of his young NBA career (and his fourth since January), and he did it on strong efficiency — scoring 40 on 11-of-22 shooting (50.0%), 4-of-9 on 3-pointers (44.4%), and 14-of-14 on free throws.

Backcourt mate Kevin Porter Jr. was strong for the Rockets, as well, with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists on 7-of-15 shooting (46.7%) and 3-of-9 from 3-point range (33.3%).

For both teams, it was an immediate rematch in the same arena of Friday’s buzzer-beating thriller, which rookie Jabari Smith Jr. salvaged for the host Rockets with only 0.4 seconds left.

On Sunday, however, Smith struggled, scoring just 8 points in the rematch on 2-of-10 shooting (20.0%) and 0-of-4 on 3-pointers. Second-year center Alperen Sengun had some struggles, as well, finishing with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists but shooting just 3-of-8 from the field (37.5%) while fouling out in 31 minutes.

Veteran stars Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum each scored 26 points on 50% shooting, while big man Jonas Valanciunas had 21 points and 11 rebounds. Ingram also dished out 9 assists on a night when the Pelicans were sharp from 3-point range, making 13-of-31 (41.9%). By contrast, Houston shot just 9-of-33 from deep (27.3%).

The Rockets fell to 18-53 with the loss, and they remain in last place in the Western Conference. The Pelicans improved to 34-37 and remain in contention for a potential berth in the West’s play-in tournament, which would give them a chance to make the playoffs.

Next up for the Rockets is defending NBA champion Golden State, which visits Houston on Monday to wrap up a six-game homestand at Toyota Center. Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. Central. Until then, here’s our look at Sunday’s highlights, analysis, postgame interviews, and more.

‘We needed something’: Frustration boils over for Rockets, ejected head coach Stephen Silas

“I don’t necessarily think me being off the floor makes us play better, but we needed something,” #Rockets coach Stephen Silas said after his early ejection in a tough loss at New Orleans.

Even with a short-handed roster, CJ McCollum and the Pelicans easily had enough to hold off visiting Houston during Wednesday’s uncompetitive 119-108 result (box score) in New Orleans. The Rockets, who lost head coach Stephen Silas early in the game due to an officiating rant, have now lost 10 of their last 11 games overall.

Houston (10-28) remains in last place in the Western Conference, while the Pelicans (24-14) are within a game of first place.

The Rockets were overwhelmed from the opening tipoff and trailed by as many as 31 points in the first half, though they made the final respectable amid strong efforts by Jabari Smith Jr. (14 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals) and KJ Martin (16 points, 7-of-7 shooting, 2 steals). The defensive effort appeared to improve under lead assistant John Lucas, who took over as acting coach after the departure of Silas.

It was a forgettable night for Houston’s starting backcourt of Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green, with both guards struggling defensively while combining to score 27 points on 9-of-26 shooting (34.6%).

That wasn’t nearly enough versus the Pelicans and McCollum, who scored a game-high 28 points on 10-of-21 shooting (47.6%) and 5-of-11 from 3-point range (45.5%) — all while dishing out 6 assists and not turning the ball over a single time. Veteran center Jonas Valanciunas added 16 points and a game-high 17 rebounds.

Brandon Ingram (left great toe contusion) and Zion Williamson (right hamstring strain) were both out for New Orleans due to injury.

Scroll on for highlights, analysis, and postgame interview reaction from Smoothie King Center. Houston returns to action on Thursday night at home, with the tip from Toyota Center at 7 p.m. Central.

C.J. McCollum explains how Pelicans were able to overcome Sixers

CJ McCollum explains how the New Orleans Pelicans overcame the Philadelphia 76ers after their slow start.

New Orleans Pelicans guard C.J. McCollum has always been one of the better guards in the league. He has a knack for working around screens and getting himself open for jumpers while being able to get to the rim and get some easy looks.

On Friday, he did it from deep. He knocked down a career-high and franchise-record 11 3-pointers to knock off the Philadelphia 76ers, 127-116. McCollum had 42 points, leading New Orleans past the Sixers despite 37 points and eight rebounds from Joel Embiid.

The Sixers built a 10-point lead in the first quarter as Embiid dominated. He scored 15 points in the opening quarter as he and James Harden worked their two-man game to perfection. However, McCollum, Zion Williamson and the Pelicans took over the game from there. Philadelphia never led after the first quarter.

“We played with better pace. I think when we started the game off I was too slow,” McCollum told reporters. “I wasn’t getting us into sets quick enough and I wasn’t playing with force. I started to play with force. Zion began to play with force, and we were getting downhill and making the right plays. It was a really good team effort tonight. That was a really good team win.”

McCollum and Williamson combined for 78 points. The Sixers had no answer for either player. Williamson had 36 points and five rebounds; he was 10-for-16 from the free-throw line.

“He’s a special talent,” McCollum said of Williamson. “He’s special and he’s hard to guard. You saw tonight (Friday). He gets what he wants, he’s patient and he made the right plays and passes. He makes the game easy for me. I’ve been really working on my shot and getting in the gym to get extra reps and break down film. To God be the glory.”

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Devonte’ Graham politely kept a reporter from getting soaked during Zion Williamson celebration

Devonte’ Graham saved the day.

Zion Williamson is back, folks, and it seems like nobody is happier about this development than his teammates on the New Orleans Pelicans.

Williamson finished with a career-high 43 points against the Timberwolves, including 33 points in the second half and each of the final 14 points scored for the Pelicans. It was a dominant performance that deserved celebration as New Orleans secured a victory and now owns the best record in the Western Conference.

After the final buzzer, the former No. 1 pick was about to begin a post-game interview with sideline reporter Jennifer Hale. But Williamson’s teammates had other plans as guards CJ McCollum and Jose Alvarado snuck up behind him to surprise him with an ice water bath.

Pelicans guard Devonte’ Graham, however, was very courteous.

He knew what was about to happen to Williamson so he made sure to gently nudge Hale out of the way so that her microphone, outfit, hair, and makeup were not ruined by the celebration.

She tweeted after the game, thanking Graham for having her back.

This was a very thoughtful, helpful decision by Graham. Once he finished helping Hale, meanwhile, Graham then joined Alvarado and McCollum by dousing Williamson with ice water.

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New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum on what’s behind the Boston Celtics’ hot start

McCollum and his guest get into the origin of the too small taunt as well.

Sometimes, the best way to get an understanding of a phenomenon is to get outside the bubble it exists in. In the case of the Boston Celtics‘ hot start to the 2022-23 NBA season, a glimpse offered by New Orleans Pelicans veteran guard CJ McCollum is a most informative one.

McCollum, who hosts his eponymous podcast, “The CJ McCollum Show,” recently discussed how well the Celtics have played on both ends of the court to start 2022-23 with guest Izzy Gutierrez weighing in. They also get into the origin of the too small taunt currently getting overused in the league and much more as well.

Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what the pair had to talk about in this video put together for the ESPN YouTube channel.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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