Jamal Murray was not the only one to make his big comeback last night, since CJ McCollum was also back on the field. As for Murrayn, everything went very well since the Pelicans dominated the Sixers, and the former Blazers guard was good with 20 points, 5 assists on 7 of 16 shots. It was he, 90 seconds from the end, who scored the “floater” which gave the Pelicans a 10-point lead to validate the victory.
“I was excited!” I felt like a kid” he says. “It’s good to be able to play again, after having to be a spectator, after being injured… Considering the type of injury, I’m grateful to be able to play again. »
Victim again of a pneumothorax, McCollum had no certainty about what would happen next, and he admitted that he experienced complicated moments.
“Is it going to look like this when I get older?” »
“I felt like an old person. I needed oxygen for a while” he says. “I asked my wife, ‘Is it going to look like this when I get older?’ » Having to go to the toilet with my oxygen tank… I did it for 4 or 5 days, and I felt much better about my breathing. Then it came back afterwards. »
This return also excites his coach, Willie Green. His team has been on the back foot since the start of the season, and the group is now almost complete with a positive record (10v-9l). All that’s missing is Trey Murphy III, and his return is imminent.
“It was great to see CJ again, and we all felt his presence right away” testifies the Pelicans coach. “His ability to create space for others. He is able to play for himself and for his teammates. His leadership on and off the field. We are especially happy that he is back in good health.”
