CJ McCollum scores 50 points through three quarters

The Portland Trail Blazers received a treat via CJ McCollum as he scored 28 points in the first quarter, and 50 through three.

Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum scored 50 points through three quarters, with 28 in the first quarter alone against the Chicago Bulls last night (Jan. 31). Per ESPN, McCollum is the first NBA player to score 50 points in 30 minutes or less since Klay Thompson accomplished the feat for the Golden State Warriors in Dec. 2016.

McCollum has proved he is a worthy second option to fellow Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard. He is averaging 22 points per game, shooting 45 percent from the floor and 43 percent from 3. McCollum led Trail Blazers team last night that shot 74 percent from the floor in the first quarter. In that time span, he connected on four 3-pointers. Perhaps what makes McCollum’s performance most impressive is that he accomplished the feat shooting an insanely high 72 percent from the floor.

"“The guys did a good job of getting me open,” McCollum said. “I had some good looks early in motion offense. I was able to hit some pullups and 3s. Once I saw the ball go in, I knew it was going to be a good night.”Portland shot 74 percent in the first quarter, paced by McCollum, who made four 3-pointers in the period and finished with six in the game.It was McCollum’s first career 50-point game. He finished 18-for-25 from the field before sitting out the fourth quarter. It was the 10th 50-point performance in Blazers history."

Next: Mr. Smith goes to Washington

Currently, the Trail Blazers are sixth in the Western Conference. They trail the Oklahoma City Thunder by one game, and the Minnesota Timberwolves by a game and a half. With McCollum’s performance and Lillard consistent play over the season, the Trail Blazers could be a dark horse in this year’s Western Conference playoffs.