McCollum Drops 32 in Pels' Victory

Chrissy Smith • March 9, 2023

This is a subtitle for your new post

It’s officially March Madness season, and the New Orleans Pelicans kicked off their playoff run on Wednesday, March 8 with a win over the Dallas Mavericks, 113-106.


It was the C.J. McCollum and Herb Jones show as the two kept the team afloat until surging to an 18-point lead at the end of the third quarter. McCollum finished with 32 points, making six three-pointers, scoring 16 of his total points in the fourth quarter.


Jones’ defense was a huge factor as he was all over the court using his length to deflect passes as well as holding Luka Doncic to 4-of-14 shooting. Jones also scored 14 points in the game to add to his solid defensive presence.


Doncic did leave the game in the third quarter with a left thigh injury, but not before he received a technical foul for what he said to a referee in the first quarter of the game. It was his 16th technical of the season so he will be suspended for a future game this season.


Although the game was a great victory for the Pelicans, Brandon Ingram did leave the game right before halftime and did not return with a sprained ankle. There was no update after the game, but Ingram did not leave with a boot on, which is possibly a good sign.


The Pelicans are currently in 10th place in the Western Conference standings. A reminder on how the play-in tournament works: No. 7 plays No. 8 and No. 9 plays No. 10. The winner of the 7-8 game gets the No. 7 seed, while the loser plays the winner of the 9-10 game for the No. 8 seed.


The Pelicans have 16 games left in the season and play their next contest on Saturday at home against the Thunder at 7:30 pm.


Follow me on Twitter @SportsChrissy

A quick share helps us a lot!

Part Of The Core: Chris Olave Extended

By Kaden Arkeder • July 30, 2026
Chris Olave has signed a contract extension valued at 4 years 132 million dollars, 90 million guaranteed with an AAV of 33M. All the contract talk is finally over for Chris Olave as it always felt like it was a matter of time before the deal would get done. Olave is too important to the Saints success this season and beyond to not get a deal done. Coming off a breakout 2025 campaign where Olave earned a second team All pro nomination after putting up his best season of his career. This extension gives the Saints and Tyler Shough their guy at WR for the foreseeable future. When you have a young quarterback like Tyler Shough you have to have proven talent around him and Olave has shown he can be a security blanket for Shough to aid in his development. But not only will Olave help Shough develop as he enters his sophomore season but Olave will also be able to help mentor rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. With Olave in the fold for the long haul the Saints hope the duo of Olave and Tyson become one of if not the best WR duo in the league one day soon. But for now Tyson gets to get his feet wet in his first NFL training camp and learn from one of the best in Chris Olave. Olave’s extension begins signals the beginning of a new core for the Saints as Olave certainly won’t be the last player extended in the near future if the Saints continue to trend in the right direction. It’s an exciting time to be Saints fan after feeling stuck in doldrums the last few years and deals like this help show the Saints are well on their way to contending once again.
Football player in dark uniform celebrating on a field with a scoreboard in the background

Tulane Green Wave PWO Commit: Brett Paukstis

By Patrick Harkness • July 30, 2026
Class of 27 QB Brett Paukstis 6-0/185 Washington, DC He trains with QB Factory and is positioned for a big senior year that could elevate his stock further. Arm Talent & Passing Ability (Strong for regional level): Paukstis possesses legitimate arm talent with velocity, spin, and the ability to drive throws downfield (including 50+ yard air yards). He makes all the throws, short, intermediate, and deep, with good touch and anticipation. Off-platform accuracy stands out; he can throw receivers open while scrambling or from awkward arm angles. Ball placement is precise, and he layers passes over defenders effectively. Accuracy & Mechanics: High completion rate (mid-to-high 60s) reflects sound mechanics, timing, and decision-making. Quick release and consistent footwork allow him to get the ball out cleanly. He goes through progressions with high football IQ and makes correct reads quickly. Velocity and arm strength continue to improve. Mobility & Playmaking: True playmaker who keeps plays alive when protection breaks down. Excels extending downs outside the pocket, using mobility to create space before delivering accurate downfield throws. Capable of off-platform creativity and arm strength on the run. Not a designed-run heavy QB but adds a valuable dimension through scrambles and creating opportunities in high-leverage moments. Decision-Making, Poise & Leadership: Poised and confident in the pocket with excellent command of the offense. High football IQ, precise decisions, and the ability to spread the ball around. Described as a great leader who elevates those around him; two-time All-Conference performer who has “breathed life” into the program through production and intangibles. Low turnover stretches (e.g., zero in key late-season games) show growth. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
Show More