CJ McCollum Leads Pelicans to Victory
New Orleans Pelicans traveled to Miami to take on the Heat, with CJ McCollum’s impressive performance leading them to a commanding 111-88 victory. McCollum’s 30-point performance marked his fifth game with at least 30 points this season, the second such occurrence since last week.
Strong Contributions Across the Board
Jose Alvarado also stood out for the Pelicans, contributing 17 points and 7 rebounds. Trey Murphy III added 14 points, while Zion Williamson played limited minutes, scoring 4 points in 25 minutes of play.
Heat Struggle Despite Efforts
Jimmy Butler led the Miami Heat with 17 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. The Heat missed several key players, including Tyler Herro (right foot), Duncan Robinson (back), and Kevin Love (foot).
Pelicans’ Response to Ingram’s Absence
With Brandon Ingram sidelined due to a left knee injury, the Pelicans had to adjust their game plan. Ingram’s absence will be felt as he contributes an average of 20 points per game along with his playmaking abilities. However, head coach Willie Green expressed relief that the injury wasn’t as severe as initially feared and emphasized the need for other players to step up in Ingram’s absence.
Heat’s Offensive Struggles
The Heat’s performance heavily relies on their scoring output. They have a record of 2 wins and 15 losses when scoring 100 points or fewer, compared to 36 wins and 17 losses when scoring 101 points or more.
McCollum’s Stellar Shooting
McCollum’s exceptional shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 6 three-pointers, was instrumental in the Pelicans’ victory. His offensive prowess helped the team maintain a comfortable lead throughout the game.
Game Recap
In the first quarter, both teams struggled with their shooting until Alvarado and Murphy’s combined efforts helped the Pelicans take a narrow lead. The Pelicans extended their lead in the second quarter, thanks to contributions from Jonas Valanciunas and McCollum.
Pelicans Secure Victory
Despite a brief comeback attempt by the Heat in the third quarter, the Pelicans responded with an 11-0 run to regain control of the game. From there, they maintained a double-digit lead until the final buzzer, securing their fourth win in the last five games.
Statistical Highlights
McCollum’s 30 points led the Pelicans, followed by Alvarado with 17 points and Murphy with 14. For the Heat, Butler scored 17 points, while Terry Rozier added 13 points and Bam Adebayo contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds. (Nice88)