In a thrilling showdown on Monday night, CJ McCollum delivered a stellar performance, scoring a career-high 45 points to lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a remarkable comeback victory over the Utah Jazz. The Pelicans erased a daunting 25-point deficit, staging the largest comeback in franchise history to secure a 123-119 overtime triumph.
McCollum’s heroics in the extra period proved to be the difference-maker, as he poured in six crucial points to propel the Pelicans to victory. Dejounte Murray also shone for New Orleans, tallying 26 points and dishing out 11 assists, while Trey Murphy III chipped in with 24 points. Despite missing key players Zion Williamson and Yves Missi due to non-COVID illnesses, the Pelicans showed incredible resilience en route to their fifth win in six games.
On the other side, Keyonte George led the charge for the Jazz with 23 points, supported by Isaiah Collier’s 20 points and 11 assists. Walker Kessler notched a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Kyle Filipowski contributed 17 rebounds and 11 points in a losing effort.
A dramatic 24-3 run sparked by Jose Alvarado’s clutch 3-pointer swung the momentum in favor of the Pelicans, giving them their first lead at 90-89. Although the Jazz briefly regained the advantage at 99-92, McCollum’s sharpshooting down the stretch, including three critical 3-pointers in the final minutes of regulation, brought New Orleans back into contention.
With the game tied at 110 after regulation, the Pelicans seized control in overtime, highlighted by Murphy’s timely 3-pointer that put them ahead 121-117 with 34 seconds remaining. Despite Utah’s strong rebounding performance and dominance in the paint and second-chance points, they were unable to withstand the Pelicans’ relentless offensive surge.
Notable milestones from the game included Murphy setting a franchise record by hitting at least two 3-pointers in 33 consecutive games, while Williamson continued to be sidelined, missing his 34th game of the season. Brandon Ingram also sat out his 20th straight game due to a left ankle sprain.
Looking ahead, the Jazz will clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, while the Pelicans are set to host the Milwaukee Bucks in their next matchup.
In a riveting display of resilience and determination, the Pelicans’ historic comeback against the Jazz showcased their unwavering spirit and ability to overcome adversity. McCollum’s standout performance and clutch plays down the stretch epitomized the Pelicans’ never-say-die attitude, propelling them to a thrilling victory that will be remembered as one of the franchise’s most memorable moments.
