The initial phase saw the Lakers and Pelicans keeping it steady in the scoring department. But the third quarter left nothing to the imagination when a 43-17 left the final score at 133-89, with Zion Williamson and co admitting defeat. No match for the soon-to-be 39-year-old LeBron James, it was with a heavy heart that the Pelicans said goodbye to championship hopes.

But Zion seems to be hit the worst. In the post-game media talks, he talks about how his performance could have been a strength for the team.

Zion Williamson puts on his big-boy pants

Talking to reporters after the game, Zion admitted there were a lot of things he could have done better. “I’ve got to be more aggressive finding my shot. I’ve got to do more things to get my team going. I think I was too laid back tonight. I can’t do that. And defensively, I’ve got to be better,” he said.

Scoring just 13 points in 26 minutes of game time, he is only one of the three Pelicans players who scored in double digits. Murphy led the scoreboard with 14 points, while Jones got 10 to go. Ingram, McCollum, and Valanciunas scored just 9 points each, with the rest of the team following suit.

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Talking about the whole atmosphere, the Pelicans’ coach, Green said, “Tonight was a total letdown. We were all disappointed in our competitive spirit against the Lakers.” Williamson was also about the same opinion. During his game time, the Pelicans were outscored by 33 points. He was confident that if he were to be more aggressive, “the energy will definitely carry over”.

Pelicans’ coach sheds light on their poor performance

Willie Green went on to explain that for many players, this was their first elimination game since college. The Lakers, though, have plenty of experience playing under pressure and the veteran power cannot be dismissed.

Read More: 2x Champion Drops Bold Timeline on Zion Williamson’s Return to College Form After Quiet Outing on Pelicans’ Historic Night

The intensity with which LA played couldn’t be matched by New Orleans. With James racking up huge numbers by the first half, the purple and gold did not even need him to see the game all the way through. By mid of the third quarter, Bron was called back, and he sat out for the entirety of the fourth, cheering his team on as they breezed to a certain victory.

But Coach Green is positive that the failure, so close to glory, will only motivate them to work harder. “We’ll take the experience, we’ll watch film on it, we’ll grow and we’ll learn.” That’s a great attitude to move forward. The Pelican State will have a three-day break before they host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Smoothie King Center.

Hopefully, they can show the lessons they have learned and put them to good use against the Wolves.

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