Pelicans Overcome 25-Point Deficit, McCollum Scores 45 in Historic Win

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the New Orleans Pelicans achieved a historic comeback victory against the Utah Jazz, winning 123-119 in overtime after trailing by 25 points. CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with a franchise-record 45 points, stepping up in the absence of Zion Williamson and other key players. The Pelicans displayed resilience, with McCollum scoring 18 points in the fourth quarter, while teammates Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy III contributed significantly to the effort. Despite a missed buzzer-beater from the Jazz's Isaiah Collier, the Pelicans secured the win by converting crucial free throws in the closing seconds. This victory marks the Pelicans' fourth consecutive win, showcasing their improvement after a challenging start to the season due to injuries. Head coach Willie Green praised McCollum's performance, highlighting his skill and strategic play that were pivotal to the team's success.