Blazers’ McCollum Details His Big Shot Against the Raptors

The Trail Blazers, fueled by a 30-point outing from CJ McCollum, notched their first three-game win streak of the 2020-21 season on Monday. McCollum, who carved up the Raptors’ defense throughout the contest, capped off his night with a game-deciding midrange shot.

With under 20 seconds to go, McCollum cruised down the court after Fred VanVleet missed a three-point attempt to connect on a gorgeous 17-footer—putting the Blazers on top. After the game, NBC Sports Northwest’s Jamie Hudson highlighted McCollum’s comments on that shot.

McCollum explained that his attempt came from just above the elbow—a spot he has always looked for.

“Historically throughout my career I’ve lived at the boxes and elbows. I’m shooting more threes this year because I can and I’ve worked on it, but I’m still going to live at the boxes and elbows when I need to. Growing up you always know where home is — and I think that’s where I’ve made my living up to this point.”

Against the Raptors, McCollum connected on 10 of his 19 field goal attempts—a line that included five three-pointers. On the season, the former Lehigh standout is in the middle of a career-best year. Through 10 games, he is averaging 28.1 points per game.

You can read Hudson’s full story at NBC Sports Northwest.