CJ McCollum scored 38 points as the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans opened a three-game road trip with a 123-115 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
Five other Pelicans scored in double figures, including Jordan Hawkins (21 points) and Dejounte Murray (17 points, 10 rebounds). Jose Alvarado (13 points), Daniel Theis (12) and Brandon Boston (11) gave the visitors a lift off the bench.
New Orleans played without Zion Williamson after he was suspended for one game by the Pelicans for “failing to meet team standards.” Media reports cited that the standout forward was late for the team’s flight to Philadelphia on Thursday.
The Pelicans also played without Brandon Ingram (ankle), Trey Murphy III (ankle) and Herb Jones (shoulder). The Sixers, meanwhile, took the court without Joel Embiid (foot), although they did welcome back Paul George (groin), who scored 25 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.
Tyrese Maxey had 30 points and 12 assists for Philadelphia, while Kelly Oubre Jr. pitched in with 21 points.
McCollum and Murray combined for 18 points in the third quarter as New Orleans built an 87-78 lead entering the fourth.
The Pelicans held a 78-75 edge with less than 90 seconds left in the period before scoring on their final four possessions, capped by Alvarado’s 3-pointer at the buzzer.
The Sixers got within seven points twice in the fourth quarter, but every time Philadelphia generated any momentum, New Orleans answered with a bucket from a role player like Theis, Alvarado or Hawkins.
McCollum made two 3-pointers and a jumper down the stretch to punctuate the win.
McCollum erupted for 18 points in the first quarter as the Pelicans led 28-24 after one period. The veteran guard added five points in the second quarter — all in the final 65 seconds — as New Orleans extended its lead to 53-47 at the break.
The Sixers’ standout in the second quarter was Ricky Council IV, who scored 11 of his 13 points in the period.
–Field Level Media
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