CJ McCollum Makes Winning Return To Portland
Deja Vu was the order of the day upon the return of CJ McCollum to Portland’s Moda Center on Wednesday.
CJ McCollum was playing his first game in Portland since leaving the Blazers, for whom he played nine seasons.
He scored a game-high 25 points as his new team, the New Orleans Pelicans, left with a 117 – 107 win.
The fans’ old habits kicked in during the second quarter when CJ McCollum was called for an offensive foul. The Portland faithful booed in disapproval of the call.
Want $250 to bet on the NBA?
“I didn’t think it was a charge either,” McCollum said. “That’s just love. That’s love.
“That was really funny. I was appreciative of that.”
When McCollum was announced as part of New Orleans’ lineup, the crowd began to cheer him.
“They kept going,” McCollum said. “It was like a national anthem when they keep going and dragging the letters out. It was really cool. I’m appreciative and thankful. They showed a lot of love.
“I’m glad it’s over. I’m tired. Emotionally and physically drained. I’m glad it’s over. I’m looking forward to getting to the next city and trying to get some more wins before we wrap things up,” he said.
Read: Lamar Jackson Bashes ‘False Narrative’ That He Wants To Leave Ravens
“It speaks to who CJ is and what he’s meant to this organization, the fans, the people here,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said.Â
“Just recognizing all that CJ means and what he’s done in the community here. The way he treats folks. It was pretty awesome to see.”
