The New Orleans Pelicans clinched the final playoff spot in the West by beating the Sacramento Kings in a solid 105-98 victory. Yet something was unusual there in the individual players’ stats. Specifically, CJ McCollum was a little underwhelming with 7 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds in 36 minutes. That stood out when the Inside Guys went over the highlights from this game. And Charles Barkley ended up catching a stray for pointing that out.

All Chuck did was say, “What’s going on with CJ McCollum?” That gave his frenemy, Shaquille O’Neal the opening to say, “Yeah, he’s playing like you Chuck.” Give him a breather, Shaq. And CJ too.

McCollum, along with Larry Nance Jr., Naji Marshall, and Jose Alvarado, had valuable contributions on the Pelicans’ side. The team shot 50% from the field as opposed to the Kings at 40% shooting. They also out-rebounded Sacramento, who have the NBA’s leading rebounder in Domantas Sabonis. Something the Round Mound of Rebound should appreciate.

McCollum is, however, filling in a leadership role. Especially when the team has lost its biggest offensive threat, Zion Williamson to an injury. His absence gave Shaq and Chuck very little confidence in the Pelicans going forward. Chuck previously said Williamson made a mistake not taking conditioning seriously before the season started. He also said that the team isn’t going to win against the #1 team in the West, OKC, without Zion.

Ahead of this deciding matchup, Charles Barkley wanted Sacramento to win because he believed they had better chances against the Thunder. But with CJ in charge, they’re proving the TNT guys wrong.

CJ McCollum fills the void

As it turns out, CJ also has a Shaq on his team. Brandon Ingram, who led the team with 24 points and 6 rebounds and assists each, made a hilarious disclosure about McCollum that left the TNT crew in stitches. Apparently, with Williamson on the injured list, McCollum wanted Ingram to tune out everything and focus only on winning.

Removing distractions also involved ignoring his phone. “I ain’t looked at my phone the last three-four days,” Ingram told the crew leaving Chuck and Shaq laughing at McCollum’s militant methods.

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His process worked. The Pelicans have a perfect 5-0 record against the Kings this season. They will face the top-seeded team in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. Shaq and Chuck conceded the Pelicans are looking good as long as Brandon Ingram is on the team. McCollum is there to keep the team focused. Who do you think is proving the TNT duo wrong?