Resolute in his goal of sending an early-game statement with the series shifting to his home floor and a fired-up fanbase at his support, CJ McCollum picked a long-distance connection as his message of choice. Admired across the NBA’s landscape for his ability to generate offense at an elite level, McCollum gets to work on a breathtaking two-way sequence, keeping the Oklahoma City Thunder scoreless with a respectable challenge at the rim, setting up a defense-to-offense opportunity. Quickly diagnosing his chance to connect with a fellow Pelican sprinting down the floor in transition, McCollum starts his pass attempt from beyond halfcourt, sending the ball through the skies and perfectly within reach for his highflying teammate to snag on the way to a tenacious alley-oop flush. Among the Association’s most prolific shot creators year-after-year, McCollum brought versatility to the stage during the Game Three loss on April 27, 2024. Tasked with keeping the youthful offense afloat, the New Orleans Pelicans star responded with 16 points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals, one block, and two 3-pointers. · Apr 27, 2024