----- CJ McCollum scores 44 points and connects on a career-high nine three-pointers as the Portland Trail Blazers top the Houston Rockets 128-126 in overtime Saturday night at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
The CJ McCollum Show!
CJ McCollum poured in 44 points and hit a career-high nine three-pointers as the Portland Trail Blazers rebounded from their opening night loss to the Utah Jazz by topping the Houston Rockets 128-126 in overtime Saturday night at Moda Center.
McCollum's three-pointer with 6.9 seconds remaining in overtime put the Trail Blazers up for good.
McCollum connected on 17 of his 30 shots including 9-of-16 from downtown. He scored 14 of the team's 26 points in the third quarter when the Blazers trimmed a 10-point halftime deficit to just 85-84 heading into the fourth.
Going into the game, all the talk surrounded James Harden after it was reported that the Portland Trail Blazers had been added to his list of preferred trade destinations. Harden showed up late to camp after demanding to be traded following the resignation of General Manager Daryl Morey and the trade of Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards.
McCollum was asked if the trade rumors added some extra motivation for the game tonight.
“I don't need to psych myself up to go play against one of the best players in the world,” he said. “James is really good, regardless of what James does in his spare time.
“James is really (bleeping) good at basketball, like he's really good… You know what I mean, like you know you need to be ready to play. Regardless of circumstances.
“He's good. He's a good player and I think I'm a good player as well. I don't need any extra motivation. My motivation is the struggle that I went through to get to this point.”
Portland had plenty of balance on offense after struggling against Utah on Wednesday night. Damian Lillard scored 32 points and dished out nine assists, Jusuf Nurkic finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, and Enes Kanter added 10 points and nine rebounds off the bench.
Derrick Jones Jr. and Robert Covington both had a significant impact on the game with their defense, hustle, and energy. Covington sealed the win as he stole the ball from a Harden on a drive to the basket while Jones Jr. scored six points and pulled down six rebounds showing his athleticism on both ends of the floor.
James Harden led the Rockets (0-1) with 44 points and 17 assists in 43 minutes of action. Christian Wood added 31 points and 13 rebounds.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers will travel to Los Angeles to meet the Lakers Monday night at Staples Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM.
Chad's Take- Entertaining game. McCollum played like a man who was well aware of the trade rumors involving James Harden. Props to Derrick Jones Jr. His stat line doesn't reflect the impact he had on the game.