McCollum’s season-high 40 helps Pelicans down Spurs to end losing skid

No Zion Williamson, no Brandon Ingram, no Larry Nance Jr., no problem.

That was the case Thursday night for the New Orleans Pelicans as New Orleans snapped a four-game losing streak with a 126-117 victory over lowly San Antonio at Smoothie King Center.

CJ McCollum picked up the slack, going for a season-high 40 points with nine assists and eight rebounds.

The Pelicans were outstanding from the free throw line, sinking 25 of 27 attempts.

Williamson was a scratch due to health and safety protocol reasons. Ingram and Nance Jr. remain out due to injuries. It was the 12th straight missed game for Ingram with his persistent toe injury while Nance has a sore Achilles.

The Pelicans (19-12) exploded out of the gate to take a 37-17 lead after one quarter and led 65-46 at halftime. It was 94-75 going to the fourth quarter.

Jonas Valanciunas chipped in with 16 points and 10 rebounds and Trey Murphy III had 15 points for New Orleans.

New Orleans had a 60-54 edge in points in the paint and outscored the Spurs from three-point range, 36-27.

The Pelicans returns to action Friday night at Oklahoma City with Williamson out for at least one more game and Ingram still out.