It took nearly all four quarters and required overcoming a major disadvantage beyond the three-point line, but New Orleans eventually staved off Portland’s upset bid Wednesday. In CJ McCollum’s return to Oregon to face his former NBA team for the first time, the Pelicans secured a significant victory in their pursuit of a Western Conference play-in tournament berth, moving 1.5 games ahead of the idle Lakers and two in front of San Antonio, which lost a nail-biter Wednesday vs. Memphis.
IT WAS OVER WHEN…
McCollum swished a three-pointer from the right wing to give New Orleans a 113-100 lead with just under three minutes remaining.