Imago
Jan 30, 2021; NBA New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after making a free throw in the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Imago
Jan 30, 2021; NBA New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after making a free throw in the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Pelicans won their 14th game of the season as they beat the Detroit Pistons 128-118. With this win, the Pelicans now have a record of 14 wins and 17 losses and are a step closer to the play-off spots.
While the Pelicans might have underperformed this season, their sophomore star Zion Williamson has been simply amazing. The 20-year-old is averaging an insane 25.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Zion Williamson shatters franchise records
Zion continued his blazing form against the Pistons. Williamson scored 32 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, shooting 70% from the field. This was the sixth game of the season in which he scored 30 points with an efficiency of 70% or more, setting a new franchise record.
Zion Williamson tonight:
32 PTS
6 REB
5 AST
13-18 FGIt’s his 6th 30-point game on 70+ FG% this season — the most in a season in NOLA franchise history. pic.twitter.com/cfVn8HXGbl
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 25, 2021
The fact that stars like Anthony Davis and Chris Paul couldn’t achieve the same feat with the Pelicans makes it even more impressive that a 20-year-old Zion could do the same.
This was also the seventh game in his short career where he scored more than 30 points with an efficiency of 70% or more. In NBA history, no other player has had more than three such games before turning 21.
Zion Williamson tonight:
✅ 32 PTS
✅ 6 REB
✅ 5 AST
✅ 13-18 FGIt’s the seventh time Williamson has recorded a 30-point game while shooting at least 70% from the field. No other player in NBA history has recorded more than three such games before turning 21 years old. pic.twitter.com/wJWtoWnZBL
— Justin Kubatko (@jkubatko) February 25, 2021
20-year-old Williamson is breaking records all over the league. If he continues to progress, he might become one of the most effective superstars in the NBA.
Can the New Orleans Pelicans make it to the playoffs?
Before the season started, the Pelicans looked like an exciting young team bound to make it to the playoffs. 31 games later, it clearly hasn’t been the case.
Although stars like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson have been impressive, their defense has been one of the most underwhelming aspects for the team.
The 20-year-old Zion might be a huge presence in the paint, but his defensive prowess is a major letdown. He flourishes in the offensive end as a center but hasn’t been able to replicate the same at the defensive end.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 12, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The supporting cast around Ingram and Zion has also been disappointing. Sharp shooter JJ Reddick looks like a shadow of himself, while players like Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart haven’t taken a leap and produced mediocre numbers on the court.
The Pelicans will hope that their role players can step up and provide ample shooting to the team. In fact, the Pelicans have all the necessary players to be a playoff squad.
If the coaching staff can figure out a system to get the best out of the personnel, they can certainly be a problem for the conference leaders.
