CJ McCollum returns to action with win over Orlando

A month and a half after suffering a pneumothorax in his right lung, CJ McCollum returned to the courts against Orlando to play 28 minutes, score 16 points and win 88-98.

The guard had a good performance after an absence of 17 games in which the Blazers have suffered a lot to add wins. The ninth-year shooting guard started and made 7 of 13 shots, including 2 of 4 from 3-point range. After the game, Chauncey Billups stressed how important it is to have him involved in the day-to-day running of the team.

“Not only is it good to have him back on the court; It’s good to have him back in the locker room with the boys as he’s one of our leaders and gives us life.” head coach Portland on McCollum, who was averaging 20.6 points before the injury.

In a match that the Oregonians came to dominate by up to 24 points and in which they had no problems to add victory, McCollum had the help of a spectacular Jusuf Nurkic, who achieved a double-double of 21 points and 22 rebounds, as well as with the contribution of Nassir Little and Anfernee Simons, both with 13 goals.

(Photograph by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)