The Blazers extended the post-All Star Break undefeated streak to four games tonight against the Brooklyn Nets. This game was all Blazers from the start, they led by nine after one, 24 at the half, and won the game 124-80. Will Barton and Mo Williams came off the bench to score 20 and 21 points respective to lead the Blazers while five other players scored in double figures. One of those players was CJ McCollum. McCollum played 7:21 before coming back in after the Blazers were up BIG on the Nets and brought the bench in. In that 7:21, CJ scored 3 points (1-5 FG, 1-2 3Pt) with 2 rebounds, a turnover, and a foul. After coming in during “garbage time,” CJ made three straight including two from three-point range to finish with 11 points (4-8 FG, 3-4 3Pt), 3 Reb, 1 TO, 1 PF, +22 in 12:19 minutes. 

It’s great to see CJ score in double figures for the fifth time in his career. However, take away those final five minutes he played tonight and that would’ve been his third-straight game playing less than ten minutes; the only times that’s happened in his career. It’s a little concerning to see his minutes getting cut but as I wrote earlier today, this is because of the great play from his teammates; Lillard’s 30+ games in the previous two games and Will Barton’s great game tonight. CJ being able to nail three-straight shots is no small feat either. These are all great things for the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Blazers return to action on Saturday night at home against the Denver Nuggets. The Blazers downed the Nuggets last night 100-95 in Denver. CJ will most likely be guarding Randy Foye who has scored 17+ in his last three games. This game tips off at 10pm and you can watch this one on NBATV.