In a remarkable display of resilience, CJ McCollum led the New Orleans Pelicans to their largest comeback victory in franchise history, overcoming a 25-point deficit to secure a 123-119 win in overtime against the Utah Jazz. This significant achievement marks a high point in McCollum's 12th season in the NBA, in which he scored an impressive 45 points on 18-of-31 shooting from the field, catalyzing the Pelicans’ comeback.

This performance is the second time McCollum has reached the 45-point mark in his last 10 games, having scored 50 points in a previous victory against the Washington Wizards on January 3. The 33-year-old shooting guard expressed confidence in his ongoing abilities, stating that he believes his skills will 'age well' and he anticipates being able to perform at a high level for many years to come.

Despite the Pelicans struggling this season with a record of 12-32, which places them among the bottom teams in the Western Conference, McCollum's average of 22.4 points per game is noteworthy. This scoring average reflects his highest output since arriving in New Orleans, where he averaged 24.3 points in 26 games during the 2021-22 season following his trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. Acknowledging the challenges faced by the team, McCollum emphasized his determination to continue working towards the Pelicans' success, stating that he does not take their wins for granted, urging his teammates to maintain perspective as they navigate the season.