CJ McCollum ‘Gives Us Life’ – Coach Chauncey Billups
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups said CJ McCollum gives the team life upon his return from injury.
CJ McCollum returned to the court following a collapsed lung which kept him out for 17 games. On his first appearance since Dec. 4, CJ McCollum scored 16 points.
As well as that, the made 7-of-13 and 2-of-4 3-pointers in 28 minutes as Portland beat Orlando 98-88.
Jusu Nurkic had 21 points and a season-best 22 rebounds for the Blazers.Â
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“I thought we played well and a few of the things that we focused on trying to take away, we did a good job,†said Chauncey Billups.
“It was good to have CJ back. He didn’t force anything. He was right back like he never left.”
“It’s not just good to have him back on the floor; it’s good to have him back around the locker room and around the guys because he’s one of our leaders and he gives us life,” Billups said.
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“I felt good because I had worked on my game,” said McCollum, who was present for the birth of his first child while he was away from basketball. “I worked extremely hard over the last two weeks to recondition, build my body back and getting up shots. And I think you can tell.”
