Historic Comeback: Pelicans Overcome 25-Point Deficit to Stun Jazz
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — In a thrilling overtime showdown, CJ McCollum delivered a career-high 45 points, including six crucial points in the extra period, as the New Orleans Pelicans staged the largest comeback in franchise history. Trailing by 25 points, the Pelicans rallied to secure a 123-119 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night.
Key Contributors in the Pelicans’ Victory
Dejounte Murray played a pivotal role wiht 26 points and 11 assists, while Trey Murphy III contributed 24 points. Despite missing star forward Zion Williamson and center Yves Missi due to non-COVID illnesses, the Pelicans secured their fifth win in six games, showcasing their depth and resilience.
Jazz’s Strong Start Fades in the Face of Pelicans’ Surge
The Jazz dominated early,scoring the first 14 points and building a 22-point lead. Keyonte George led Utah with 23 points, supported by Isaiah Collier’s 20 points and 11 assists. Walker Kessler added 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Kyle Filipowski chipped in with 17 rebounds and 11 points.
Though, the Pelicans turned the tide with a 24-3 run, capped by Jose Alvarado’s clutch 3-pointer from the left corner, giving New Orleans their first lead at 90-89. McCollum’s heroics in the second half, including 25 points and three critical 3-pointers in the final six minutes, kept the Pelicans in contention.
Overtime Drama Seals the Win
With 33 seconds left in regulation, Kessler’s offensive rebound put Utah ahead, but Murray’s layup tied the game at 110, forcing overtime. In the extra period, McCollum’s composure and scoring prowess ensured the Pelicans’ historic victory.
Looking Ahead
The Jazz will travel to face Oklahoma City on Wednesday, while the Pelicans host Milwaukee in their next matchup. This game not only highlighted McCollum’s brilliance but also underscored the Pelicans’ ability to thrive under pressure.
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This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the assistance of a generative artificial intelligence tool.
Exclusive Interview: Chris Paul on the Pelicans’ Historic Comeback Against the Jazz
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In the wake of the New Orleans Pelicans’ stunning 25-point comeback victory over the Utah Jazz, we sat down with NBA legend and former Pelicans point guard Chris Paul to break down the game’s pivotal moments, discuss CJ McCollum’s career-high performance, and debate the resilience of this Pelicans squad.
Moderator: Chris, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. The Pelicans overcame a 25-point deficit to secure a 123-119 overtime win against the Jazz. What stood out to you most about this historic comeback?
Chris Paul: Frist off, thanks for having me. What stood out to me was the sheer resilience of this Pelicans team. Coming back from 25 points down is no small feat,especially without Zion Williamson and Yves Missi. CJ McCollum was absolutely phenomenal—45 points, including those clutch buckets in overtime. But it wasn’t just him. Dejounte Murray with 26 points and 11 assists, Trey Murphy III with 24 points—they all stepped up. That’s what championship-caliber teams do: they find a way to win, even when the odds are stacked against them.
moderator: Speaking of CJ McCollum, he dropped a career-high 45 points, including 25 in the second half and six in overtime. Do you think this performance cements his status as one of the league’s most underrated players?
Chris Paul: Absolutely. CJ has been one of the most consistent scorers in the league for years, but he doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. What people don’t realize is how much he does for his team beyond scoring. He’s a leader,a floor general,and he’s clutch when it matters most. That 3-pointer he hit in the final minutes of regulation? That’s the kind of shot that separates good players from great ones.
Moderator: The Jazz started strong, building a 22-point lead early. What do you think went wrong for them, and how did the Pelicans manage to turn the tide?
chris Paul: The Jazz came out firing on all cylinders—Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier, Walker Kessler—they were all playing great. But in the NBA, no lead is safe. The Pelicans made adjustments defensively, and that 24-3 run was a game-changer. Jose Alvarado’s corner three to give them their first lead was huge. Momentum is everything in basketball, and once the Pelicans got it, they never looked back.
Moderator: Let’s talk about Dejounte Murray.He had 26 points and 11 assists, including the layup that forced overtime. How crucial was his performance to the Pelicans’ success?
Chris Paul: Dejounte was a difference-maker. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a playmaker. That layup to tie the game at 110 was a testament to his composure under pressure. He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better, and that’s exactly what the Pelicans needed in a game like this.
Moderator: the Pelicans are now 5-1 in their last six games, even without Zion williamson. What does this say about their depth and potential moving forward?
Chris Paul: It says a lot. Depth is what wins championships. The fact that they’re winning without Zion—who’s a top-tier talent—shows how well-rounded this team is. Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, jose alvarado—these guys are stepping up and proving they can compete with anyone.If they can keep this up, they’re going to be a serious threat in the playoffs.
moderator: Looking ahead, the Pelicans host Milwaukee next. What’s your prediction for that matchup?
Chris Paul: Milwaukee is a tough team,no doubt. but if the Pelicans can bring the same energy and resilience they showed against the Jazz, they’ve got a real shot. It’s going to come down to defense and who can execute in crunch time. I’m excited to see how it plays out.
Moderator: Chris, before we wrap up, let’s get your thoughts on this: Do you think this comeback win is a turning point for the Pelicans this season?
Chris Paul: I do. Wins like this build confidence and chemistry. When you overcome adversity as a team, it brings you closer together. This could be the spark that propels them to greater heights this season.
Moderator: Thanks, Chris, for your insights. to our readers, what do you think about the Pelicans’ historic comeback? Was CJ McCollum’s performance the best of his career? How far can this Pelicans team go this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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