Joel Embiid, Zion Williamson Wow NBA Twitter in Dynamic Battle as Pelicans Beat 76ers
Dec 31, 2022
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) drives against Philadelphia 76ers forward P.J. Tucker and forward Tobias Harris (12) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Dec. 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
In a clash of titans, it was Zion Williamson left standing at the expense of Joel Embiid.
The New Orleans Pelicans superstar went off for 36 points and five rebounds against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, leading his team to a 127-116 win.
Embiid didn't exactly roll over without a fight. The superstar center had a vintage performance of his own, putting up 37 points and eight rebounds while trying to will his team to a tough road victory.
But the one-two punch of Williamson and CJ McCollum (42 points, career- and franchise-high 11 threes) was too much to overcome.
McCollum was shooting fireballs from beyond the arc all night long:
PJ Tucker is guarding Zion like a bag of bricks sitting in the middle of train tracks. Probably not going to derail it, but let’s just see what happens.
It was an incredibly impressive offensive showing from the Pelicans (23-12), especially without Brandon Ingram available because of a toe injury.
For the Sixers (20-14), meanwhile, it was a second straight loss after an impressive eight-game winning streak.
The good news for the Sixers was that star guard Tyrese Maxey returned after a lengthy layoff. The bad news was that he struggled in his return, coming off the bench to post just nine points on 4-of-10 shooting from the field in 19 minutes. Some rust was to be expected, however, after missing over a month.
It didn't help that James Harden had a particularly odd game, offering up a 20-point, 10-assist double-double but also adding seven turnovers on the evening, and he only attempted eight shots from the field.
It may not have mattered had he played better. This night clearly belonged to Zion's bulldozing drives into the lane and McCollum's sniper-scope precision. Had the Sixers played a perfect game, maybe they could have overcome that duo's offensive fireworks.
But they didn't play a perfect game, and they left New Orleans with a loss.
CJ McCollum on Pelicans' Plan: Get the Ball to Zion 'and Get the F--k Out of the Way'
Dec 30, 2022
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 4: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans high-fives teammate Zion Williamson #1 during the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 4, 2022 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
The New Orleans Pelicans currently occupy the top seed in the Western Conference with a 22-12 record, and a lot of that has to do with the return of 2019 first overall pick Zion Williamson.
The Duke product, who missed the entire 2021-22 season because of a nagging foot injury, has returned to being mostly healthy this season, picking up right where he left off when he last took the court.
The 22-year-old is averaging 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals in 26 games while shooting 60.7 percent from the floor and 36.8 percent from deep.
According to CJ McCollum, the team's game plan this year is to run the ball through the 6'6" forward.
"Get the ball to Z and get the f--k out of the way," McCollum said when asked to describe the team's strategy late in the game, per The Athletic's William Guillory.
If Williamson can stay healthy, the Pelicans will be a real threat to capture the Western Conference crown for the first time in franchise history. Additionally, the team is hoping to make a run to the NBA Finals for the first time ever.
Zion Williamson Placed in Health and Safety Protocols, Out for Pelicans vs. Spurs
Dec 21, 2022
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 12: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up prior to the start of an NBA game against the Houston Rockets at Smoothie King Center on November 12, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson will be out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the San Antonio Spurs after being placed in the league's health and safety protocols, per ESPN's Andrew Lopez.
This marks the sixth game the 22-year-old will miss this season, as he also missed time earlier this year with injuries to his foot and his hip.
When healthy, Williamson has displayed the skills that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft. He is averaging 25.2 points on 60.3 percent shooting with 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists. It's been a welcome sight to see him back on the floor after his lost 2021-22 season.
However, the Duke product was forced to miss the entire year after undergoing foot surgery and dealing with complications in his recovery. It was yet another setback in the early part of his injury-riddled NBA career, as he was limited to 24 games as a rookie and appeared in just 61 games in his sophomore campaign.
While Williamson is sidelined, the Pelicans will rely on the potent scoring tandem of Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum to shoulder the load on offense. Ingram missed time earlier this season while he was in concussion protocol.
New Orleans will likely split Williamson's minutes at power forward between third-year pro Naji Marshall and veteran big man Larry Nance Jr.
Pelicans' Zion Williamson 'Got Carried Away' on Game-Ending Dunk vs. Suns
Dec 10, 2022
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 9: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on December 9, 2022 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson sent a message with a game-ending dunk in Friday's 128-117 win over the Phoenix Suns:
The Suns seemingly took offense to the big dunk when the game was already decided on Friday, with Chris Paul and Cameron Payne among those arguing with Pelicans players after the final whistle.
Williamson explained his mindset on the dunk after the game, per ESPN's Andrew Lopez:
"That was a little out of character for me. But you've got to understand—I mean, you can understand it or not—they sent my teammates home last year.
"I missed all last year. I got carried away a little bit. I admit that. But you know, I was in that locker room when my brothers were down because the Suns sent us home last year. That's a tough moment to be a part of. So, in that moment, I got carried away. I admit that. ... If they were to do the same thing, I wouldn't have no problem with it."
Phoenix had eliminated New Orleans in the first round of the playoffs last season, although Williamson missed the series after being out all year with a foot injury.
Williamson has been a difference-maker upon his return, averaging a team-high 24.5 points per game to go with 7.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. He scored 35 points on 13-of-17 from the field in Friday's win as the Pelicans improved to 17-8, the best record in the Western Conference.
The latest victory not only helped avenge last year's playoff loss, it was a statement against the team that finished last year as the No. 1 seed in the West.
New Orleans lost its first game of the year in Phoenix, but Friday's win served as redemption in front of the home fans at the Smoothie King Center.
There is also already some tension between the two sides, including with guards Jose Alvarado and Chris Paul, as Alvarado alluded to after the game.
It's understandable for Williamson to emphasize the emotional win with a monster dunk.
Of course, the two teams play again on Sunday before traveling to Phoenix on Dec. 17 for the final matchup of the year between the two sides. There could be some retaliation in the coming games if the Suns are able to get the upper hand in those contests.
Pelicans' CJ McCollum Enters Health and Safety Protocols, Out vs. Grizzlies
Nov 24, 2022
PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 15: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Moda Center on December 15, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard CJ McCollum will miss Friday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies after being placed in the NBA's health and safety protocols, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
McCollum didn't have an easy 2021-22 season. He missed almost all of December and half of January with a collapsed lung, and his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers, struggled during his absence.
The tough times didn't stop for the Blazers. When superstar Damian Lillard was lost for the season after undergoing abdominal surgery, the Blazers made a number of trades before the Feb. 10 deadline, sending Norman Powell and Robert Covington to the Los Angeles Clippers and McCollum to the Pelicans.
When healthy, the 31-year-old averaged 22.1 points and 5.1 assists per game, shooting 46.0 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from three.
While the Blazers retooled in the 2022-23 offseason, McCollum helped his new team reach the NBA playoffs last season, where they pushed the Phoenix Suns to six games in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs before bowing out.
It was an exciting run for the Pelicans nonetheless, as the team escaped the play-in tournament and made the top seed sweat, all without young superstar Zion Williamson.
This year, the Pelicans came into the season with high hopes, with Williamson healthy again and a core group that includes McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Herbert Jones.
While McCollum is sidelined, look for players like Jose Alvarado and Devonte' Graham to play a bigger role.
Zion Williamson Out vs. Grizzlies with Foot Injury; Pelicans Star Day-to-Day
Nov 15, 2022
NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 23: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up before the game against the Utah Jazz on October 23, 2022 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson is sidelined once again, as he will miss Tuesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies because of a right foot contusion. Head coach Willie Green told reporters that Williamson is considered day-to-day.
The 22-year-old missed two games with a hip injury before returning to the lineup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 30.
Williamson missed the entire 2021-22 season because of foot surgery and complications during his recovery. It continued the theme of his young NBA career, as he was limited to 24 games as a rookie and played just 61 games in his second year.
When he's healthy, the Duke alum has been a force for the Pelicans. He shot 61.1 percent from the field in 2020-21 and averaged 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists to earn his first selection to the All-Star Game. Through 11 games this season, he's shooting 56.6 percent with averages of 23.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
New Orleans has grown accustomed to his absence, though, and it is more equipped to be successful without him on the floor this season. Veteran shooting guard C.J. McCollum, who was acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers midway through last season, has emerged as the Pels' most dependable player.
With Williamson unavailable, second-year forward Naji Marshall is likely to be inserted into the starting lineup.
Twitter Hyped by Brandon Ingram's Clutch Performance as Pelicans Beat Bulls
Nov 10, 2022
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 9: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls on November 9, 2022 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
Brandon Ingram was not about to let the New Orleans Pelicans lose for a third time in a row.
Ingram out-clutched DeMar DeRozan and led the Pelicans to a 115-111 road victory on Thursday at the United Center. New Orleans improved to 6-5 on the season and snapped its two-game losing streak thanks in large part to the forward's efforts down the stretch.
The final two minutes unfolded as a showdown between DeRozan and Ingram—with the Pels up 104-103—with the following sequence:
DeRozan layup puts Bulls ahead by one
Ingram midrange jumper puts Pelicans ahead by one
DeRozan free throws put Bulls ahead by one
Ingram three-pointer puts Pelicans ahead by two
DeRozan dunk ties it
Ingram midrange jumper puts Pelicans ahead by two
New Orleans finally got a defensive stop from there and was able to ice the win away on the free-throw line.
That type of performance also earned Ingram plenty of love on social media:
Brandon Ingram (and Zion) won this one for the Pelicans in the 4th quarter. Great job by the Pelicans to gut out the victory despite a lot of not great things. The W counts all the same
Ingram finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and three assists in the win, but it wasn't a solo effort for the entire game. Jonas Valančiūnas' double-double (21 points and 13 rebounds) and Zion Williamson's secondary scoring (19 points) helped set the stage for the dramatic finish.
But Ingram proving that he can take on fellow stars in crunch time and come out on top is key for the Pelicans if they are going to compete as legitimate Western Conference threats this season.
Williamson is excellent, but it is going to take more than just his individual brilliance in the frontcourt for the team to challenge come playoff time.
Ingram will look to build on his performance when New Orleans takes on the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday.
Zion Williamson: 'It Was a Lot' to Hear People Criticize Weight Amid Foot Injury
Nov 7, 2022
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson dribbles during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Throughout his NBA career, New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has been criticized for his weight, and the 22-year-old discussed last week how he has been affected by it.
Williamson told Melissa Rohlin of Fox Sports that not enough consideration was given to the fact that he was recovering from foot surgery, which caused him to miss the 2021-22 season.
"That's nasty because with a lower-body injury, that dictates how you walk, that dictates how you run, how you do everyday activities and how you move," Williamson said. "For the world to critique me like that and all I was trying to do was make sure my foot was straight? It was a lot. I'm not going to lie to you—it was a lot."
Williamson also said he doesn't think the critics considered how their words could affect him.
"What people don't understand is, even the writers and stuff, if they have children of their own, imagine if somebody talked about their child how they spoke about me," he said. "Critiquing my body, critiquing how I look. Every time they talked about me, it was about weight, how bad I looked. I don't even think they realized what kind of impact that can have on you."
A 6'6" power forward with one of the most unique skill sets in the league, Williamson is listed at 284 pounds. When he was recovering from surgery, his weight ballooned after a regression in the bone healing forced him to discontinue his rehabilitation.
Many speculated the Duke product had a poor work ethic. The talk surrounding Williamson became so bad that even his mother and stepfather began questioning his routine.
"I was like: 'Y'all relax. Hearing it from y'all doesn't help me, and it makes it worse for me as a matter of fact,'" Williamson said. "So, when I broke it down like that, they understood. Once my foot heals, I'll get back on track."
To prepare for his return, Williamson trained with sports medicine and performance specialist Jasper Bibbs. He also hired a personal chef, Jhonas Lewis, to make all his food from July through September.
"I don't know if I'm supposed to say the number, but I will say this: [He lost] well over 35 pounds, for sure," Lewis said. "We were dropping almost 7-9 pounds a week. By the third week, he started seeing the results. You couldn't pay Zion to put his shirt on."
Williamson leads the Pelicans (5-4) with 22.7 points per game in seven appearances this season, as he sat out two games with a hip injury. He's expected to be in the lineup when New Orleans visits the Indiana Pacers (4-5) on Monday night.
Pelicans' Zion Williamson Says He Can Shoot 3s but 'If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It'
Nov 7, 2022
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson dribbles during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Zion Williamson is averaging a solid 22.7 points per game this season, all after missing the 2021-22 campaign, but he's doing it entirely at the basket.
According to The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, Williamson hasn't attempted a shot further than eight feet from the rim. But for now, the young superstar is hesitant to mess with a good thing.
"It's a mental thing for me," Williamson told O'Connor about his reluctance to shoot from the perimeter. "I can shoot the faders; I can shoot the middies; I can shoot the threes. But in the game, I'm such a perfectionist. I'm so locked in that mindset that the best shot is the closest shot to the basket. I feel like when I get to the basket at will, if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
It isn't "broke," but it isn't ideal, either. The Pelicans are 5-4, and Williamson extending his range would make him even harder to defend. He's proved he can do it in the past, shooting 42.9 percent from three as a rookie, though that nosedived to 29.4 percent in his sophomore campaign.
This isn't a Ben Simmons situation for New Orleans—Williamson still aggressively attacks the basket, attempting 18 shots per game—but it will be a limitation to his game if he doesn't push past his current mental block.
"[Assistant coach Teresa Weatherspoon and player development coach Corey Brewer] help me break that mental block," he told O'Connor about working with the pair on his shooting during practices. "It's just a matter of shooting it and being OK with it if I miss it."
