CJ McCollum had one of his best all-around games of the season Saturday night in San Antonio.
His teammates, at least as far as scoring, did their part as well.
But it still wasn’t enough as the Pelicans lost to the Spurs 119-115 at Frost Bank Center.
The Pelicans committed 18 turnovers and the Spurs outscored them 24-10 on points off turnovers.
“We talked about that going into the game,” said Pelicans’ coach Willie Green. “The last couple games against them, we were a bit high (on turnovers). Tonight was no different. They were just kinda mindless plays that we know we can be better at.”
The Pelicans dropped to 18-50, marking the fourth time in franchise history they've lost 50 games in a season.
McCollum finished with 26 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. The nine assists tied his season high. He was also one rebound shy of his season high. It was the most points he’s scored since a 43-point outing against the Sacramento Kings in mid-February.
The game was tied 58-58 at the halftime, despite the Pelicans committing 13 turnovers in the first two quarters. The Pelicans made up for the turnover woes by making 10 of 22 3-pointers in the half. McCollum scored 14 points in the half, including four 3-pointers. McCollum moved into 20th on the NBA’s all-time list for made 3-pointers, surpassing Joe Johnson and putting him behind Dirk Nowitzki.
McCollum wasn’t the only one climbing an all-time list. Trey Murphy scored 11 of his 20 points in the half. Murphy passed former teammate Jonas Valanciunas on the franchise’s all-time scoring list and is now ninth.
All five Pelicans’ started reached double figures.
Bruce Brown scored 19 points, his most since joining the Pelicans. He also had six rebounds and six assists. Rookie Karlo Matkovic recorded his third double double, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Kelly Olynyk scored 14 points to go with seven assists and six rebounds.
The Pelicans were without starters Zion Williamson (personal reasons) and Yves Missi (left ankle sprain).
“When we’re missing guys, our margin of error of small,” Green said. “That’s an area of growth where we have to value possessions and we didn’t do a great job of that tonight.”
The Pelicans, who split the season series against the Spurs (28-38), return home to play the Detroit Pistons Monday.