CJ McCollum returning to his long-time home dominated the initial headlines as the Portland Trail Blazers welcomed the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. The game also had implications into the post-season and beyond. New Orleans is in the midst of the fight for the Western Conference Play-In tournament. The Blazers might be getting the Pelicans’ lottery pick this summer if New Orleans doesn’t make it into the playoffs proper.
McCollum acquitted himself marvelously, scoring 25 on 9-16 shooting. Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas, and Jaxson Hayes scored 19, 19, and 18 each. That combination proved too much for the Blazers to overcome.