The reeling Pelicans continue to have trouble involving guard Trey Murphy III in the second halves of games, writes Rod Walker of NOLA.com. Against the Clippers recently, Murphy had just one made bucket in the second half.
“Teams are making adjustments and they’re all over Trey,” head coach Willie Green said. “He’s doing a good job of continuing to play. When they guard him like they do, it allows other guys to be able to drive, to be able to get to the basket. The game opened up a bit more for CJ (McCollum) because of the gravity and attention they’re putting on Trey.”
There’s more out of New Orleans:
- Pelicans guard CJ McCollum helped New Orleans end an egregious 11-game losing streak by tying his career high of 50 points in a 132-120 win against the Wizards on Friday, writes Walker in another piece. “CJ was fantastic,” Green said. “His professionalism off the court gives him an opportunity to step on the floor day in and day out and perform at a high level. … He had it going and we just wanted to continue getting the ball to him.” McCollum’s inspirational on-court achievement in the wake of a devastating New Year’s Day terror attack in the city can hopefully help the people of New Orleans look past the tragedy, writes William Guillory of The Athletic.“Hopefully, it’s given people some hope, some joy,” Green said. “Maybe getting away from the difficulties we’ve all been facing the past day or so.”
- For now, CJ McCollum claims to be unfazed by potential trade rumors during what’s looking like a lost season for the Pelicans, per Pelicans Film Room (Twitter video link). “After my third year, [The Ringer’s] Bill Simmons had me getting traded every week,” McCollum said (hat tip to Reice Shipley of Awful Announcing for the find). “This team values me and I’m sure other teams value me. I like the city. My wife likes the city. My kids are happy here… My value is going to be exactly where it needs to be.”
- In case you missed it, reserve Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado made his return to action Friday after a 23-game absence.