This season did not go according to plan for the New Orleans Pelicans, nor did Friday night’s clash against the Denver Nuggets. After leading by up to 14 points, the Pelicans collapsed on the home stretch and were called in for a breach of the timer in a potential equalizer possession in the final seconds. They lost 113-108, blowing up a double-digit lead for the 12th time this season.
However, there were some good points for the Pelicans this season, especially Zion Williamson looking to be the real deal in his first full season in the league. It was fitting, then, that while the team lost one more heart on Friday, he had played the best offensive game of his career.
With a ridiculous 16 of 19 pitches, Williamson ended his career record of 39 points in defeat. He also picked up 10 rebounds, conceded five assists and added a steal and two blocks for good measure. A plus-minus game is not a statistic you want to trust, but the fact that it ended up plus-13 with a five-point loss gives an indication of how important it is to the team.
As he is basically nightly, Williamson was unstoppable on the edge. The Pelicans did a good job of putting the ball in motion, and when he is going down the hill, there is little chance of stopping him. Add that to the overall lack of rim protection for the Nuggets – 25th in the league in blocks per game – and you’ll have a recipe for a great night.
His full highlights are worth watching as always, but this play in the second half stood out as a statement about his different level of athletics. He catches the ball in the corner, starts to retreat towards the basket and then spins so fast that he really loses his balance. However, instead of falling, he manages to pull himself together and get up for a hit, all in one movement.
No one his size should be able to move and jump like that, but he does it every night and is apparently just getting better. It would be a shame if we lose Williamson in the playoffs this season – the Pels are now with 19-25 and 2.5 games in the last play-in wave – but if so, it certainly won’t be lacking.