McCollum Goes Nuclear Scoring 38 Points to Lead Pelicans to Victory Without Zion Williamson

CJ McCollum scored 38 points to lead a New Orleans Pelicans team playing without the suspended Zion Williamson past the Philadelphia 76ers 123-115. Williamson was suspended for one game for a violation of team policies, that included repeated lateness to practices, and his absence was felt on the court, but McCollum stepped up to the challenge. Despite the setback of losing their star player, the Pelicans were able to come out on top due to McCollum's impressive performance.

The Pelicans started the game strong, with McCollum scoring 12 points in the first quarter to give his team an early lead. The 76ers fought back, but McCollum continued to dominate, scoring from both inside and outside the paint. His 38 points were a season high, and he also added 5 rebounds and 3 assists to his stat line.

The 76ers were led by Joel Embiid, who scored 32 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. However, it was not enough to overcome the Pelicans' balanced attack. The Pelicans had six players score in double figures, including Brandon Ingram, who added 22 points and 6 assists.

Williamson's suspension was a result of his repeated lateness to practices, which is a violation of team policies. The Pelicans have been trying to emphasize the importance of punctuality and accountability, and Williamson's suspension is a clear message that these policies will be enforced. Despite the setback, the Pelicans were able to come together as a team and secure a win without their star player.

The win was a much-needed boost for the Pelicans, who have been struggling lately. The team has been dealing with injuries and suspensions, but they have shown that they can still compete at a high level. McCollum's performance was a testament to the team's depth and resilience, and it will be interesting to see how they continue to perform in the coming games.

The 76ers, on the other hand, are still trying to find their rhythm. They have been dealing with their own set of injuries, and Embiid has been carrying the load for the team. However, they will need to find a way to overcome their inconsistencies if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs.

In conclusion, the Pelicans' win over the 76ers was a impressive performance by McCollum and the rest of the team. Despite the absence of Williamson, they were able to come together and secure a win. The 76ers will need to regroup and find a way to overcome their struggles, while the Pelicans will look to build on their momentum.