CJ McCollum

Win-loss records and actual on-court talent can often contradict, and on February 8, 2025, such factors allowed CJ McCollum and the upset-minded New Orleans Pelicans to fly in undetected against the Sacramento Kings. Swooping in to disrupt Keegan Murray’s dribble handoff plans, New Orleans’ star guard takes full advantage, pickpocketing Sacramento’s third-year forward before immediately turboing into the open floor. Keeping both Sacramento’s 6-foot-8 swingman — and more importantly, his teammates — within peripheral view, McCollum blends vision and fearlessness, hanging a pass off-glass, and perfectly within reach of his highflying partner, who powers through a highlight alley-oop jam. Playoff-like in their early-game focus, the McCollum-led Pelicans raced out to a 20-point opening quarter lead, forcing the contending Kings to bring their A-game the rest of the way. Victory eluded New Orleans here, but McCollum, previewing a 43-point showcase that Sacramento would fall victim to during a rematch five days later, proved sensational, recording 31 points (on 10-of-19), six rebounds, three assists, one steal, two blocks, and six 3-pointers.