With Zion suspended, CJ McCollum’s 38-point explosion leads Pelicans past 76ers

Posted on by David Grubb

Another day, another frustrating headline involving Zion Williamson. The Pelicans announced that Zion was suspended for Friday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers for “failing to meet team standards,” stemming from repeated tardiness to team activities. There have been far too many times that the stories about Zion have nothing to do with his play on the court but everything to do with his lack of professionalism. This isn’t a one-time slip-up; it’s part of an ongoing pattern that’s beginning to feel like something that cannot or will not change.

“There were several occasions that led up to this,” said head coach Willie Green, a reminder that the team’s patience apparently has limits. Zion himself took responsibility in a statement, offering an apology to teammates, coaches, and fans. “I can and will be better as a teammate and member of this organization,” Zion said. While it’s fine he recognizes the issue, the real question is whether his actions will align with his words when he returns.

This was yet another reminder of what the Pelicans are dealing with as they try to build a winning culture around a player who could be their franchise centerpiece. It’s hard not to constantly wonder what he would be capable of if Zion could show the same commitment off the court as he does on it.

In stark contrast stands CJ McCollum, the picture of professionalism since he arrived in New Orleans. While Zion’s absences and distractions continue to dominate the headlines, McCollum quietly does his job, game after game, providing leadership and stability. And on Friday night, that was more important than ever.

With the Pelicans shorthanded due to Zion’s suspension, Herb Jones’ indefinite absence (shoulder), and the continued absence of Brandon Ingram and Trey Murphy III, it was McCollum who stepped up yet again. He dropped 38 points in a 123-115 win over the 76ers, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most reliable players in the NBA.

McCollum’s performance was everything the Pelicans needed. McCollum scored 18 of his points in the first quarter, setting the tone early and keeping New Orleans afloat. By the time the game reached its crucial moments in the fourth, he was hitting clutch shots to seal the deal.

CJ is in some kind of rhythm

— Pelicans Film Room (@pelsfilmroom.bsky.social) 2025-01-11T02:19:02.153Z

And that’s what makes McCollum such a valuable piece to the Pelicans. As coach Green put it, “He’s just a pro. He shows up every day, puts in the work, and leads by example. We’re lucky to have him.”

It wasn’t just McCollum, though. The Pelicans had a solid all-around effort, and the role players did their jobs well. Jordan Hawkins, who had been in an extended slump, contributed 21 points, including five 3-pointers. Dejounte Murray posted 17 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.

Jose Alvarado had 13 points and nine assists while committing only one turnover. Daniel Theis added 12 points and played key minutes down the stretch.

The Pelicans built an 87-78 lead heading into the fourth quarter, largely due to an impressive finish to the third. With just over a minute left in the period, New Orleans scored on their final four possessions, capped by Alvarado’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer. They kept it going as Hawkins drained a 4-point play and Theis dunked after an Alvarado assist to push the lead to 94-83.

Tyrese Maxey continued to put up numbers, leading Philadelphia with 30 points and 12 assists, while Paul George added 25 points and 11 rebounds. But the Sixers just couldn’t catch the Pelicans. Despite multiple attempts to close the gap, every time they generated momentum, the Pels answered with a bucket—whether from McCollum, Alvarado, or Hawkins.

A Win That Feels Like Relief

Yes, the Pelicans won on Friday. But let’s not kid ourselves into thinking this is some major turning point. This isn’t a “momentum-shifting” victory that signals a playoff push on the horizon. This was a win that was needed if only to keep fans from storming the headquarters on Airline Drive. The Pelicans’ season has been full of disappointments, and while it’s great to get a rare win, it’s still hard to ignore that the team has now won just three games since December 7.

This win does little to change the overall trajectory of a season that’s been marred by injuries, suspensions, and underperformance. But for one night, the Pelicans found a way to fight through the distractions, prove they’ve still got some pride, and earn a victory on the road. It might not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but in a season that’s gone mostly sideways, a win like this feels like a small victory.

The Pelicans will take whatever they can get at this point, but with the way this season is going, it’s hard not to be reminded that wins like these are more of a relief than a celebration. And as they head to Boston on Sunday to face the Celtics, the Pelicans will need every bit of that professionalism that McCollum has displayed all year.

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