Portland Trail Blazers injured video coordinator/player development coach Jonathan Yim texted CJ McCollum at halftime of Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, and it led to McCollum having a big second half for the Blazers.

Yim was seriously injured in a car accident back on April 24. He was watching Game 2 from his hospital bed and didn't like the way McCollum way playing. CJ shot 2-of-9 in the first half.

So, Yim texted McCollum want he wanted to see the Blazers guard do in the second half and it motivated McCollum.

Article Continues Below
More Trail Blazers News
Mystery player in the middle, Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe around him, Blue lightning in the background
Portland Trail Blazers’ perfect outcome for No. 11 pick in 2025 NBA DraftEnzo Flojo ·
Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups talks to Scoot Henderson
Blazers’ Chaucey Billups issues ‘challenge’ to Scoot HendersonJedd Pagaduan ·
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) drives against Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) in the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Magic rumors: Anfernee Simons, Darius Garland must be on trade radar, says insiderJulian Ojeda ·
image thumbnail
3 players Portland Trail Blazers must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftCameron Zunkel ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) at Moda Center.
NBA rumors: Lakers insider drops eye-opening Blazers intel on potential trade candidateJulian Ojeda ·
Michael Porter Jr. photoshopped in Trail Blazers jersey (number 1)
Trail Blazers trade proposal for Michael Porter Jr. after postseason strugglesBailey Bassett ·

“He told me to go more East/West, and stop going so much North/South,” McCollum said, via Jason Quick of The Athletic. “He said I needed to get space. And … (in the second half) I got space.”

In the second half, McCollum made 6-of-11 shots and scored 15 of his game-high 20 points, many of them at crucial moments. No doubt his big half was in part because of Yim’s advice.

“We knew he was watching, and we knew we wanted to get this for him,” McCollum said, “but at the same time, I have to go out and hoop, that’s what I do. But that’s my guy. I love him to death and I can’t wait until he is back.”

This story right here is what makes basketball so special. The close bond McCollum and Yim have is unique.

It's clear the Blazers wanted to win Game 2 for Yim and they accomplished their goal.