Zion Williamson has lost 25-plus pounds since In-Season Tournament
While losing out on the inaugural NBA Cup stung for the Pelicans, it seems as though they have become one of the big winners of the tournament in retrospect. The unceremonious way with which they exited the tournament reportedly ignited an inextinguishable flame in Zion Williamson, as evidenced by his reported loss of 25 pounds since December 7. “I’ve got people in New Orleans telling me that since December, when the In-Season Tournament happened, that Zion Williamson has lost 25 or more pounds and his performance has been excellent,” Brian Windhorst of ESPN said on Monday’s episode of The Hoop Collective, via NBA Central on Twitter (X).
Source: Clutch Points
Source: Clutch Points
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
On today’s show @coachthorpe and @jshector talk Bronny James, the Clippers’ recent struggles, and ask if Zion is peaking at the right time?
All that and more!
Full episode: link.chtbl.com/TrueHoopSocial1 pic.twitter.com/BUbQ8iYf5b – 2:30 PM
On today’s show @coachthorpe and @jshector talk Bronny James, the Clippers’ recent struggles, and ask if Zion is peaking at the right time?
All that and more!
Full episode: link.chtbl.com/TrueHoopSocial1 pic.twitter.com/BUbQ8iYf5b – 2:30 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Friday’s game was an important defensive test for Zion. He passed. nola.com/sports/pelican… pic.twitter.com/N7cIgiJdMJ – 10:28 AM
Friday’s game was an important defensive test for Zion. He passed. nola.com/sports/pelican… pic.twitter.com/N7cIgiJdMJ – 10:28 AM
Ric Bucher @RicBucher
Dissecting A Star Three-Pack: PG, Kawhi and Zion shows.acast.com/bucher-and-fri… via @acast – 2:07 AM
Dissecting A Star Three-Pack: PG, Kawhi and Zion shows.acast.com/bucher-and-fri… via @acast – 2:07 AM
Alvaro Martin @AlvaroNBAMartin
No importa la cancha de NBA, cuando los aros se enteran que viene @PelicansNBA y juega Zion Williamson, les da un ataque de pánico.
Vídeo: @NBA
pic.twitter.com/prqAmYYcak – 3:58 AM
No importa la cancha de NBA, cuando los aros se enteran que viene @PelicansNBA y juega Zion Williamson, les da un ataque de pánico.
Vídeo: @NBA
pic.twitter.com/prqAmYYcak – 3:58 AM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Willie Green on Zion’s recent ascendance: “He’s continuing to stack his days, and we’re seeing the results of that. Quite frankly, whatever he decides to do on the floor, when he’s right, he can do it.” – 10:48 PM
Willie Green on Zion’s recent ascendance: “He’s continuing to stack his days, and we’re seeing the results of that. Quite frankly, whatever he decides to do on the floor, when he’s right, he can do it.” – 10:48 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Willie Green on Zion: “Quite frankly, whatever he decides to do on the floor, when he’s right, he can do it.” nola.com/sports/pelican… – 10:33 PM
Willie Green on Zion: “Quite frankly, whatever he decides to do on the floor, when he’s right, he can do it.” nola.com/sports/pelican… – 10:33 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Final: Pelicans 126, Blazers 107
McCollum 30 pts, 8 assts
Williamson 26 pts, 10 rebs
Ingram 22 pts, 7 rebs, 4 blks
The Pels Big 3 combine to score 78 points to hand their team another win at home. NOLA had 36 assists, all 9 guys who played had at least one. – 9:22 PM
Final: Pelicans 126, Blazers 107
McCollum 30 pts, 8 assts
Williamson 26 pts, 10 rebs
Ingram 22 pts, 7 rebs, 4 blks
The Pels Big 3 combine to score 78 points to hand their team another win at home. NOLA had 36 assists, all 9 guys who played had at least one. – 9:22 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Pelicans today:
Zion — 26 PTS | 10 REB | 11-17 FG
Ingram — 22 PTS | 7 REB | 4 BLK
CJ — 30 PTS | 8 AST | 6 3P
Murphy — 20 PTS | 6 REB | 5 AST
Only one win behind the Clippers for the four seed. pic.twitter.com/VUVM29mYdr – 9:19 PM
Pelicans today:
Zion — 26 PTS | 10 REB | 11-17 FG
Ingram — 22 PTS | 7 REB | 4 BLK
CJ — 30 PTS | 8 AST | 6 3P
Murphy — 20 PTS | 6 REB | 5 AST
Only one win behind the Clippers for the four seed. pic.twitter.com/VUVM29mYdr – 9:19 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Not their best basketball, but the Pelicans will take the 126-107 victory. The Trail Blazers scored 86 points through the first 30:34 of the game. Over the remaining 17:26, they only added 21 more points.
Zion: 26 PTS, 10 REB
CJ: 30 PTS, 6 3s
BI: 22 PTS, 7 REB
Trey: 20 PTS, 4 3s – 9:19 PM
Not their best basketball, but the Pelicans will take the 126-107 victory. The Trail Blazers scored 86 points through the first 30:34 of the game. Over the remaining 17:26, they only added 21 more points.
Zion: 26 PTS, 10 REB
CJ: 30 PTS, 6 3s
BI: 22 PTS, 7 REB
Trey: 20 PTS, 4 3s – 9:19 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Zion is such an insanely unique player… can look awful/uninterested/injured for months at a time… but also has dominant stretches for weeks where looks like a top-5 NBA superstar – 9:16 PM
Zion is such an insanely unique player… can look awful/uninterested/injured for months at a time… but also has dominant stretches for weeks where looks like a top-5 NBA superstar – 9:16 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Zion Wiliamson replaces Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. JRE, whose night may be finished, was really solid in Larry Nance Jr.’s absence.
6 points
4 rebounds
4 assists
1 steal
+16 +/- – 9:06 PM
Zion Wiliamson replaces Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. JRE, whose night may be finished, was really solid in Larry Nance Jr.’s absence.
6 points
4 rebounds
4 assists
1 steal
+16 +/- – 9:06 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Tonight marks the 6th time Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum have all scored 20+ points in the same game.
They are 4-1 in the previous 5 games. – 9:01 PM
Tonight marks the 6th time Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum have all scored 20+ points in the same game.
They are 4-1 in the previous 5 games. – 9:01 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
The Pelicans defense showed some life towards the end of the 3rd quarter, holding the Trail Blazers to just 6 points over the final 5:25 of the frame. They’ll begin the 4th with a 100-92 advantage.
Zion’s already notched a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds. – 8:48 PM
The Pelicans defense showed some life towards the end of the 3rd quarter, holding the Trail Blazers to just 6 points over the final 5:25 of the frame. They’ll begin the 4th with a 100-92 advantage.
Zion’s already notched a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds. – 8:48 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of 3rd: Pelicans 102, Blazers 92
Williamson 26 pts, 10 rebs
Murphy 17 pts, 5 rebs, 4 assts
McCollum 17 pts, 6 assts
Pels finally create some separation at the end of the quarter and push the lead to 10 points. Pels have 24 points off 13 Portland turnovers. Gotta up that # – 8:47 PM
End of 3rd: Pelicans 102, Blazers 92
Williamson 26 pts, 10 rebs
Murphy 17 pts, 5 rebs, 4 assts
McCollum 17 pts, 6 assts
Pels finally create some separation at the end of the quarter and push the lead to 10 points. Pels have 24 points off 13 Portland turnovers. Gotta up that # – 8:47 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
This is just an absurd play by Zion pic.twitter.com/ScYkNBvUaB – 8:09 PM
This is just an absurd play by Zion pic.twitter.com/ScYkNBvUaB – 8:09 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Please go watch Zion Williamson put that alley-oop home from out of bounds multiple times. Heck of a finish!
Thanks to that bucket, the Pelicans are taking a 73-68 lead into halftime. Zion has 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting. Trey Murphy has scored 15. – 8:08 PM
Please go watch Zion Williamson put that alley-oop home from out of bounds multiple times. Heck of a finish!
Thanks to that bucket, the Pelicans are taking a 73-68 lead into halftime. Zion has 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting. Trey Murphy has scored 15. – 8:08 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
The good news is that Zion continues to look great. He’s got 20 points (9-11 FG) at halftime. No clue how he finished that lob.
The bad news is the Pelicans let the Blazers shoot 64% from the field.
Need to lock in on defense in 2H. – 8:08 PM
The good news is that Zion continues to look great. He’s got 20 points (9-11 FG) at halftime. No clue how he finished that lob.
The bad news is the Pelicans let the Blazers shoot 64% from the field.
Need to lock in on defense in 2H. – 8:08 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of 1st half: Pelicans 73, Blazers 68
Williamson 20 pts (9-11 FG)
Murphy 15 pts (3-5 3PT)
Ingram 13 pts
Pels have been really good on O, but they’ve allowed the Blazers guards to be way too comfortable on the other end. Banton and Simons have a combined 33 points on 13-22 FG – 8:08 PM
End of 1st half: Pelicans 73, Blazers 68
Williamson 20 pts (9-11 FG)
Murphy 15 pts (3-5 3PT)
Ingram 13 pts
Pels have been really good on O, but they’ve allowed the Blazers guards to be way too comfortable on the other end. Banton and Simons have a combined 33 points on 13-22 FG – 8:08 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Zion Williamson is already up to 18 points on 8-8 shooting to start this one. The Blazers have no answer for him. – 7:48 PM
Zion Williamson is already up to 18 points on 8-8 shooting to start this one. The Blazers have no answer for him. – 7:48 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of 1st: Pelicans 36, Blazers 33
Williamson 10 pts (5-5 FG)
Murphy 10 pts (2-4 3PT)
Ingram 5 pts
Not a whole lot of defense from either side in this one. Pels gotta do a better job of defending Deandre Ayton in pick-and-roll. He made all 5 of his shots in the 1st quarter. – 7:39 PM
End of 1st: Pelicans 36, Blazers 33
Williamson 10 pts (5-5 FG)
Murphy 10 pts (2-4 3PT)
Ingram 5 pts
Not a whole lot of defense from either side in this one. Pels gotta do a better job of defending Deandre Ayton in pick-and-roll. He made all 5 of his shots in the 1st quarter. – 7:39 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Love the play where they give the ball to Zion at the top of the arc and he dribbles through the entire defense and shoots a layup. – 7:38 PM
Love the play where they give the ball to Zion at the top of the arc and he dribbles through the entire defense and shoots a layup. – 7:38 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
The Pelicans lead the Trail Blazers 36-33 at the end of the first quarter. Zion Williamson led the way with 10 points. In addition to several of his scores, the SKC crowd was also energized multiple times by the referee’s whistle, or lack thereof. – 7:38 PM
The Pelicans lead the Trail Blazers 36-33 at the end of the first quarter. Zion Williamson led the way with 10 points. In addition to several of his scores, the SKC crowd was also energized multiple times by the referee’s whistle, or lack thereof. – 7:38 PM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Scoot catches Alvarado with an elbow (or at least it looked like it), no call, probably because he didn’t give Scoot room to move, stays down the whole possession, gets up, complains to the ref, Zion scores, Alvarado tries to hip check Scoot on the inbound and he’s called for a… – 7:33 PM
Scoot catches Alvarado with an elbow (or at least it looked like it), no call, probably because he didn’t give Scoot room to move, stays down the whole possession, gets up, complains to the ref, Zion scores, Alvarado tries to hip check Scoot on the inbound and he’s called for a… – 7:33 PM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Scoot catches Alvarado with an elbow (or at least it looked like it), no call, probably because he didn’t give Scoot room to move, stays down the whole possession, gets up, complains to the ref, Zion scores, Alvarado tried to hip check Scoot on the inbound and he’s called for a… – 7:32 PM
Scoot catches Alvarado with an elbow (or at least it looked like it), no call, probably because he didn’t give Scoot room to move, stays down the whole possession, gets up, complains to the ref, Zion scores, Alvarado tried to hip check Scoot on the inbound and he’s called for a… – 7:32 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Pelicans starters:
CJ McCollum
Trey Murphy
Brandon Ingram
Zion Williamson
Jonas Valanciunas – 6:49 PM
Pelicans starters:
CJ McCollum
Trey Murphy
Brandon Ingram
Zion Williamson
Jonas Valanciunas – 6:49 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Starters:
CJ McCollum
Brandon Ingram
Trey Murphy
Zion Williamson
Jonas Valanciunas – 6:36 PM
Starters:
CJ McCollum
Brandon Ingram
Trey Murphy
Zion Williamson
Jonas Valanciunas – 6:36 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 of his class this season. pic.twitter.com/CY6tMkqLUj – 4:48 PM
Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 of his class this season. pic.twitter.com/CY6tMkqLUj – 4:48 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Why Zion Williamson’s domination over Clippers should be a red flag for L.A.’s championship hopes
(by @JasmynWimbish)
cbssports.com/nba/news/zion-… – 2:58 PM
Why Zion Williamson’s domination over Clippers should be a red flag for L.A.’s championship hopes
(by @JasmynWimbish)
cbssports.com/nba/news/zion-… – 2:58 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Bringing the lower third ticker back
10 clips on how Zion Williamson’s offense came way too easily against the Clips
The kind of film that makes you go “they can just cut that out” but also concerns you because “why does this keep happening” pic.twitter.com/Csn1sGJhZX – 1:39 PM
Bringing the lower third ticker back
10 clips on how Zion Williamson’s offense came way too easily against the Clips
The kind of film that makes you go “they can just cut that out” but also concerns you because “why does this keep happening” pic.twitter.com/Csn1sGJhZX – 1:39 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Bringing the lower third ticker back
10 clips on how Zion Williamson’s offense came way too easily against the Clips
The kind of film that makes you go “they can just cut that out” but also concerns you because “why does this keep happening” pic.twitter.com/RGiAcG6oGL – 1:33 PM
Bringing the lower third ticker back
10 clips on how Zion Williamson’s offense came way too easily against the Clips
The kind of film that makes you go “they can just cut that out” but also concerns you because “why does this keep happening” pic.twitter.com/RGiAcG6oGL – 1:33 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Behind the Numbers preview article for #Pelicans 6 p.m. home game vs. Trail Blazers (Zion Williamson surging in March, with consecutive games of 30-plus points; CJ McCollum is 6-1 vs. Portland since trade; eight Blazers listed on injury report): neworlns.co/3TD9m6L pic.twitter.com/LdO4ASYHs1 – 11:34 AM
Behind the Numbers preview article for #Pelicans 6 p.m. home game vs. Trail Blazers (Zion Williamson surging in March, with consecutive games of 30-plus points; CJ McCollum is 6-1 vs. Portland since trade; eight Blazers listed on injury report): neworlns.co/3TD9m6L pic.twitter.com/LdO4ASYHs1 – 11:34 AM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
#Pelicans are 24-14 with their starting five intact this season (McCollum, Jones, Ingram, Williamson, Valanciunas) and 37-21 when they have at least four of those players available (3-5 in all other games) – 11:12 AM
#Pelicans are 24-14 with their starting five intact this season (McCollum, Jones, Ingram, Williamson, Valanciunas) and 37-21 when they have at least four of those players available (3-5 in all other games) – 11:12 AM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Based on @bball_ref “game score” metric, which measures the impact of a player on a specific game, four of Zion Williamson’s 10 best performances this season have taken place in #Pelicans last four games. Seven of the top 10 have been since Feb. 2 – 10:41 AM
Based on @bball_ref “game score” metric, which measures the impact of a player on a specific game, four of Zion Williamson’s 10 best performances this season have taken place in #Pelicans last four games. Seven of the top 10 have been since Feb. 2 – 10:41 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Zion scores 34, Pelicans top Clippers to tighten race for No. 4 seed
nbcsports.com/nba/news/zion-… – 2:25 AM
Zion scores 34, Pelicans top Clippers to tighten race for No. 4 seed
nbcsports.com/nba/news/zion-… – 2:25 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
I brought up Clippers giving up Zion bucket to end 3rd quarter and opening up 4th quarter with a blown coverage that led to Trey 3
The little things like that, another bad possession battle game, hurts in a clutch time loss like this one.
T Lue: “Margin for error is very slim” pic.twitter.com/auQmaK9dzr – 12:17 AM
I brought up Clippers giving up Zion bucket to end 3rd quarter and opening up 4th quarter with a blown coverage that led to Trey 3
The little things like that, another bad possession battle game, hurts in a clutch time loss like this one.
T Lue: “Margin for error is very slim” pic.twitter.com/auQmaK9dzr – 12:17 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Tyronn Lue discussed how Zion Williamson has dominated Clippers in New Orleans’ 3 wins, adding that Clippers have to do better job of paying “attention to detail and understand what we want to do”
Reminds me of how @eric_nehm wrote about Giannis/Dame running same play repeatedly pic.twitter.com/DjfdcfdbzL – 12:12 AM
Tyronn Lue discussed how Zion Williamson has dominated Clippers in New Orleans’ 3 wins, adding that Clippers have to do better job of paying “attention to detail and understand what we want to do”
Reminds me of how @eric_nehm wrote about Giannis/Dame running same play repeatedly pic.twitter.com/DjfdcfdbzL – 12:12 AM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Zion: “It’s just getting to that part of the season. Just letting my teammates know, ‘I’m here. I’m with y’all.’ ” nola.com/sports/pelican… – 11:39 PM
Zion: “It’s just getting to that part of the season. Just letting my teammates know, ‘I’m here. I’m with y’all.’ ” nola.com/sports/pelican… – 11:39 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Zion Williamson on Herb Jones’ incredible block of Paul George’s three-point attempt, covering a ton of ground to get to the ball: “It might’ve been the best defensive play I’ve ever seen Herb do… I was just in shock that Herb got that.” – 11:26 PM
Zion Williamson on Herb Jones’ incredible block of Paul George’s three-point attempt, covering a ton of ground to get to the ball: “It might’ve been the best defensive play I’ve ever seen Herb do… I was just in shock that Herb got that.” – 11:26 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Zion Williamson was fired up after an end-to-end drive for a layup to close third quarter vs. Clippers pic.twitter.com/EllSoIbHZe – 11:05 PM
Zion Williamson was fired up after an end-to-end drive for a layup to close third quarter vs. Clippers pic.twitter.com/EllSoIbHZe – 11:05 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi Leonard on Clippers defending Zion pic.twitter.com/IZQUUNfVcb – 11:00 PM
Kawhi Leonard on Clippers defending Zion pic.twitter.com/IZQUUNfVcb – 11:00 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
LIVE in 5 minutes!
INSTANT REACTION as the New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson beat the Los Angeles Clippers
youtube.com/watch?v=SQeMbu… pic.twitter.com/wpHAZmf9xO – 10:54 PM
LIVE in 5 minutes!
INSTANT REACTION as the New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson beat the Los Angeles Clippers
youtube.com/watch?v=SQeMbu… pic.twitter.com/wpHAZmf9xO – 10:54 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Willie Green’s big move tonight was to pull Jonas Valanciunas after his first 3rd quarter stint
Other than Zion Williamson eating up Clippers inside, Trey Murphy III and Larry Nance Jr. combined for 18 points in 2nd half – 10:35 PM
Willie Green’s big move tonight was to pull Jonas Valanciunas after his first 3rd quarter stint
Other than Zion Williamson eating up Clippers inside, Trey Murphy III and Larry Nance Jr. combined for 18 points in 2nd half – 10:35 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
All things considered, Clippers didn’t shoot too poorly considering the rest disadvantage: 12/33 3s (36.4%), 7/16 midrange
But they did nothing else well offensively: 15 turnovers, only 19 FT attempts, only 5 offensive rebounds, only 28 attempts in paint
Zion: 28 PAINT points. – 10:31 PM
All things considered, Clippers didn’t shoot too poorly considering the rest disadvantage: 12/33 3s (36.4%), 7/16 midrange
But they did nothing else well offensively: 15 turnovers, only 19 FT attempts, only 5 offensive rebounds, only 28 attempts in paint
Zion: 28 PAINT points. – 10:31 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Zion Williamson takes over, powering #Pelicans to 112-104 victory over Clippers by scoring 34 points (on 14/21 FGs). New Orleans clinches season series over LAC 3-1, moves within two games of fourth place in West. Postgame wrap: neworlns.co/3ThrZfj pic.twitter.com/czfnhfiPUi – 10:29 PM
Zion Williamson takes over, powering #Pelicans to 112-104 victory over Clippers by scoring 34 points (on 14/21 FGs). New Orleans clinches season series over LAC 3-1, moves within two games of fourth place in West. Postgame wrap: neworlns.co/3ThrZfj pic.twitter.com/czfnhfiPUi – 10:29 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Pelicans possessions after going to the Zion-Herb-BI-Trey-Nance lineup with 3:33 left:
— Nance layup
— Trey missed 3
— Nance layup
— Zion makes 1 of 2 free throws
— Zion layup – 10:24 PM
Pelicans possessions after going to the Zion-Herb-BI-Trey-Nance lineup with 3:33 left:
— Nance layup
— Trey missed 3
— Nance layup
— Zion makes 1 of 2 free throws
— Zion layup – 10:24 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
Big win for the Pelicans tonight over the Clippers.
Zion had 34 points, 7 boards, 4 assists and 3 steals.
Win brings them within two games of Clips for the 4th seed.
Also clinches the tiebreaker over the Clippers since Pels win the season series, 3-1. – 10:21 PM
Big win for the Pelicans tonight over the Clippers.
Zion had 34 points, 7 boards, 4 assists and 3 steals.
Win brings them within two games of Clips for the 4th seed.
Also clinches the tiebreaker over the Clippers since Pels win the season series, 3-1. – 10:21 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Final: Pelicans 112, Clippers 104
Zion: 34 points (14-21 FG), 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals. Was the best player on the floor.
Trey Murphy scored 8 of his 14 points in 4Q.
Great defensive performance from New Orleans (40-26), which moves within 2 games of 4th place. – 10:21 PM
Final: Pelicans 112, Clippers 104
Zion: 34 points (14-21 FG), 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals. Was the best player on the floor.
Trey Murphy scored 8 of his 14 points in 4Q.
Great defensive performance from New Orleans (40-26), which moves within 2 games of 4th place. – 10:21 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Final: Pelicans 112, Clippers 104
Williamson 34 pts, 7 rebs
Murphy 14 pts
Ingram 13 pts, 5 rebs, 7 assts
Pels close out a tough win against the Clips to pull within two games of the 4th seed. Williamson with another incredible showing, but the defense was really key to this win – 10:20 PM
Final: Pelicans 112, Clippers 104
Williamson 34 pts, 7 rebs
Murphy 14 pts
Ingram 13 pts, 5 rebs, 7 assts
Pels close out a tough win against the Clips to pull within two games of the 4th seed. Williamson with another incredible showing, but the defense was really key to this win – 10:20 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Zion tonight:
34 PTS
7 REB
4 AST
14-21 FG
10th 30-point game of the season. statmuse.com/nba/player/zio… – 10:20 PM
Zion tonight:
34 PTS
7 REB
4 AST
14-21 FG
10th 30-point game of the season. statmuse.com/nba/player/zio… – 10:20 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
The Pelicans beat the Clippers, 112-104. They clinch the tiebreaker between the two teams, beating LA 3-1 in the season series.
Zion Williamson was DOMINANT. He was easily the best player in a game filled with star power.
34 points (14-21 FGA)
7 rebounds
4 assists
3 steals – 10:19 PM
The Pelicans beat the Clippers, 112-104. They clinch the tiebreaker between the two teams, beating LA 3-1 in the season series.
Zion Williamson was DOMINANT. He was easily the best player in a game filled with star power.
34 points (14-21 FGA)
7 rebounds
4 assists
3 steals – 10:19 PM
Ball Don’t Lie @Balldontlie
Zion went full court in 3.5 seconds for the buzzer beater layup 😳
(via @PelicansNBA)
pic.twitter.com/zJ1MYmGmvI – 10:17 PM
Zion went full court in 3.5 seconds for the buzzer beater layup 😳
(via @PelicansNBA)
pic.twitter.com/zJ1MYmGmvI – 10:17 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Pels went with Zion-Herb-BI-Trey-Nance lineup AKA the No Point Guards Allowed lineup and generated layups on two of the next three possessions.
The only miss was a wide-open 3 from Trey. They’re making smart plays on both ends with this group. – 10:17 PM
Pels went with Zion-Herb-BI-Trey-Nance lineup AKA the No Point Guards Allowed lineup and generated layups on two of the next three possessions.
The only miss was a wide-open 3 from Trey. They’re making smart plays on both ends with this group. – 10:17 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Some unfortunate shots in this 4th quarter from LAC
Zion finally missed inside, but Kawhi overcooked 3 5 seconds later. Nance scores inside against Zubac-less lineup to make it 109-102 New Orleans with 75 seconds left to play.
Clippers have one timeout remaining – 10:16 PM
Some unfortunate shots in this 4th quarter from LAC
Zion finally missed inside, but Kawhi overcooked 3 5 seconds later. Nance scores inside against Zubac-less lineup to make it 109-102 New Orleans with 75 seconds left to play.
Clippers have one timeout remaining – 10:16 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Zion Williamson with fantastic individual defense on Kawhi Leonard moments ago and now on Paul George. Forced both stars into missed shots. – 10:14 PM
Zion Williamson with fantastic individual defense on Kawhi Leonard moments ago and now on Paul George. Forced both stars into missed shots. – 10:14 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Zubac is giving Zion way too much space in these 1-on-1 matchups. Pels gotta get him the ball. – 10:07 PM
Zubac is giving Zion way too much space in these 1-on-1 matchups. Pels gotta get him the ball. – 10:07 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
If this is a close Clippers loss, the last possession of 3rd quarter (Zion coast-coast) and first possession of 4th quarter (blown coverage 3) will lead to gnashing of teeth – 9:54 PM
If this is a close Clippers loss, the last possession of 3rd quarter (Zion coast-coast) and first possession of 4th quarter (blown coverage 3) will lead to gnashing of teeth – 9:54 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of 3rd: Pelicans 82, Clippers 80
Williamson 27 pts (16 in 3rd)
McCollum 11 pts
Ingram 8 pts, 6 assts
After giving up 44 pts in the 1st half, the Pels gave up 36 in the 3rd quarter. Zion has been sensational, but Pels will need somebody else to provide some offense. – 9:51 PM
End of 3rd: Pelicans 82, Clippers 80
Williamson 27 pts (16 in 3rd)
McCollum 11 pts
Ingram 8 pts, 6 assts
After giving up 44 pts in the 1st half, the Pels gave up 36 in the 3rd quarter. Zion has been sensational, but Pels will need somebody else to provide some offense. – 9:51 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Zion Williamson just went the length of the court, weaved around three Clippers, and made a buzzer-beat floater in less than 4 seconds.
Pelicans taking an 82-80 lead in the fourth. Fantastic game and Z is rolling — 27 points on 11 of 16 from the field. – 9:51 PM
Zion Williamson just went the length of the court, weaved around three Clippers, and made a buzzer-beat floater in less than 4 seconds.
Pelicans taking an 82-80 lead in the fourth. Fantastic game and Z is rolling — 27 points on 11 of 16 from the field. – 9:51 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Zion Williamson caps a quarter where he made all SEVEN of his field goal attempts with a coast-to-coast bucket after an Amir Coffey clock 3 from George
That’s the difference entering the 4th quarter, as New Orleans leads 82-80.
AST-TO
Clippers: 13:12
New Orleans: 18:7 – 9:50 PM
Zion Williamson caps a quarter where he made all SEVEN of his field goal attempts with a coast-to-coast bucket after an Amir Coffey clock 3 from George
That’s the difference entering the 4th quarter, as New Orleans leads 82-80.
AST-TO
Clippers: 13:12
New Orleans: 18:7 – 9:50 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Man, Clippers seeing Zion Williamson working them over, his 16 points in the third included a coast-to-coast layup to beat the buzzer to give Pelicans an 82-80 lead. – 9:50 PM
Man, Clippers seeing Zion Williamson working them over, his 16 points in the third included a coast-to-coast layup to beat the buzzer to give Pelicans an 82-80 lead. – 9:50 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
You figure you can let a guy catch the ball near the other baseline with 3 seconds left in a quarter and he won’t have time to dribble up the floor for a layup, but Zion Williamson (27 pts) just did it – 9:50 PM
You figure you can let a guy catch the ball near the other baseline with 3 seconds left in a quarter and he won’t have time to dribble up the floor for a layup, but Zion Williamson (27 pts) just did it – 9:50 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Pelicans leading scorers going into 4Q:
Zion — 27 points
CJ — 11 points
Brandon, Larry — 8 points
Zion has been incredible. Probably gonna need some scoring help here for New Orleans to win. – 9:50 PM
Pelicans leading scorers going into 4Q:
Zion — 27 points
CJ — 11 points
Brandon, Larry — 8 points
Zion has been incredible. Probably gonna need some scoring help here for New Orleans to win. – 9:50 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
That is an absurd score by Zion Williamson to go end to end for the layup with just 3.5 seconds left in the quarter – 9:49 PM
That is an absurd score by Zion Williamson to go end to end for the layup with just 3.5 seconds left in the quarter – 9:49 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
zion’s effort level the past ~month summed up in one play pic.twitter.com/vpaTU8gHk0 – 9:31 PM
zion’s effort level the past ~month summed up in one play pic.twitter.com/vpaTU8gHk0 – 9:31 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Herb just blocked Paul George’s 3 like Zion vs Virginia
I know @WillGuillory got the numbers. – 9:28 PM
Herb just blocked Paul George’s 3 like Zion vs Virginia
I know @WillGuillory got the numbers. – 9:28 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Rare technical foul on Herb Jones for reacting to a defensive foul seemed to ignite #Pelicans. Beautiful floater from Zion gives him 19 pts early 3Q – 9:26 PM
Rare technical foul on Herb Jones for reacting to a defensive foul seemed to ignite #Pelicans. Beautiful floater from Zion gives him 19 pts early 3Q – 9:26 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Zion Williamson is cooking the Clippers in the third, scoring 8 in a row to give Pelicans a 58-51 lead in the quarter. – 9:25 PM
Zion Williamson is cooking the Clippers in the third, scoring 8 in a row to give Pelicans a 58-51 lead in the quarter. – 9:25 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Pels starting to lean heavy on the Zion/JV side pick-and-roll. They’re trying to force Zubac to guard him in open space and having a lot of success.
Williamson has 19 points on 8-13 shooting. Pels lead 58-51. – 9:25 PM
Pels starting to lean heavy on the Zion/JV side pick-and-roll. They’re trying to force Zubac to guard him in open space and having a lot of success.
Williamson has 19 points on 8-13 shooting. Pels lead 58-51. – 9:25 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
4-point range attempt by Bones. He didn’t hit it, but he showcased that ability last season
Like Black Friday, Zion is chewing Clippers up with Tucker on floor to start 3rd quarter. It’s like he’s offended.
Timeout Clippers with New Orleans up 58-51. 8:59 left in 3rd quarter. – 9:25 PM
4-point range attempt by Bones. He didn’t hit it, but he showcased that ability last season
Like Black Friday, Zion is chewing Clippers up with Tucker on floor to start 3rd quarter. It’s like he’s offended.
Timeout Clippers with New Orleans up 58-51. 8:59 left in 3rd quarter. – 9:25 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Pelicans LOVE setting that low screen and letting Zion go at Zubac. – 9:24 PM
Pelicans LOVE setting that low screen and letting Zion go at Zubac. – 9:24 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
It doesn’t matter if you double-team Brandon Ingram. As long as he has some time, he’ll make the right play and find the open teammate. Great pass to Zion Williamson at the free throw line for an easy score right there. – 9:20 PM
It doesn’t matter if you double-team Brandon Ingram. As long as he has some time, he’ll make the right play and find the open teammate. Great pass to Zion Williamson at the free throw line for an easy score right there. – 9:20 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of 1st half: Pelicans 50, Clippers 44
Williamson 11 pts
McCollum 9 pts, 6 rebs
Ingram 5 pts, 5 assts
Really strong defensive half from the Pels. They held the non-Kawhi/PG Clippers to 6-20 from the field. They’ve gotta get more production on the other end tho. – 9:06 PM
End of 1st half: Pelicans 50, Clippers 44
Williamson 11 pts
McCollum 9 pts, 6 rebs
Ingram 5 pts, 5 assts
Really strong defensive half from the Pels. They held the non-Kawhi/PG Clippers to 6-20 from the field. They’ve gotta get more production on the other end tho. – 9:06 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of 1st half: Pelicans 50, Clippers 44
Williamson 11 pts
McCollum 9 pts, 6 rebs
Ingram 5 pts, 5 assets
Really strong defensive half from the Pels. They held the non-Kawhi/PG Clippers to 6-20 from the field. They’ve gotta get more production on the other end tho. – 9:05 PM
End of 1st half: Pelicans 50, Clippers 44
Williamson 11 pts
McCollum 9 pts, 6 rebs
Ingram 5 pts, 5 assets
Really strong defensive half from the Pels. They held the non-Kawhi/PG Clippers to 6-20 from the field. They’ve gotta get more production on the other end tho. – 9:05 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
This Jose-Naji-Trey-Zion-Nance lineup has been money for the Pels the past few weeks, and they’re making an impact early again tonight – 8:47 PM
This Jose-Naji-Trey-Zion-Nance lineup has been money for the Pels the past few weeks, and they’re making an impact early again tonight – 8:47 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
That Black Friday IST Pelicans-Clippers game was the last time PJ Tucker saw 2nd half minutes for like 3 months. But team filed away his defense on Zion. And PJ has brought it so far.
Clippers up 22-20 through one (nasty) quarter of play. No points allowed off 3 LAC turnovers. – 8:34 PM
That Black Friday IST Pelicans-Clippers game was the last time PJ Tucker saw 2nd half minutes for like 3 months. But team filed away his defense on Zion. And PJ has brought it so far.
Clippers up 22-20 through one (nasty) quarter of play. No points allowed off 3 LAC turnovers. – 8:34 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of 1st: Clippers 22, Pelicans 20
McCollum 7 pts, 5 rebs
Ingram 5 pts, 3 rebs, 3 assts
Murphy 3 pts
Some playoff-level physicality to start this one on both ends. Refs are letting em play. Zion has to do a better job of adjusting to how the game is being called. – 8:34 PM
End of 1st: Clippers 22, Pelicans 20
McCollum 7 pts, 5 rebs
Ingram 5 pts, 3 rebs, 3 assts
Murphy 3 pts
Some playoff-level physicality to start this one on both ends. Refs are letting em play. Zion has to do a better job of adjusting to how the game is being called. – 8:34 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Looks like PJ Tucker may be utilized tonight. Was set to sub in but Zion Williamson subbed out during timeout. – 8:22 PM
Looks like PJ Tucker may be utilized tonight. Was set to sub in but Zion Williamson subbed out during timeout. – 8:22 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Brandon Ingram and Paul George guarding each other to begin this game, along with Zion Williamson and Kawhi Leonard.
Love seeing the stars matchup against one another. – 8:11 PM
Brandon Ingram and Paul George guarding each other to begin this game, along with Zion Williamson and Kawhi Leonard.
Love seeing the stars matchup against one another. – 8:11 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Pelicans starters:
CJ McCollum
Herb Jones
Brandon Ingram
Zion Williamson
Jonas Valanciunas – 7:58 PM
Pelicans starters:
CJ McCollum
Herb Jones
Brandon Ingram
Zion Williamson
Jonas Valanciunas – 7:58 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
The New Orleans Pelicans have ranked 6th (2022), 5th (2023), and 5th (2024) in passes per game under head coach Willie Green
When Pelicans beat Clippers in February at LA, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram had 16:4 AST-TO
Asked both T Lue and Green about Pelicans ball movement pic.twitter.com/pN9YPbzwSe – 7:12 PM
The New Orleans Pelicans have ranked 6th (2022), 5th (2023), and 5th (2024) in passes per game under head coach Willie Green
When Pelicans beat Clippers in February at LA, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram had 16:4 AST-TO
Asked both T Lue and Green about Pelicans ball movement pic.twitter.com/pN9YPbzwSe – 7:12 PM
More on this storyline
Indeed, Zion Williamson has looked more in shape than ever before over the past few months; he returned to being an unstoppable wrecking ball at the rim for the Pelicans, he has been fleshing out his playmaking game, and to top it all off, he is not hesitant to take on tougher matchups on the defensive end. “I think since that moment, well there was a team meeting around that time as well, things have gone on the up and up for him. He looks like a completely different player. Like you, I’ve heard a lot of great things from multiple people in New Orleans about the buy in that he’s had, the transformation in his body, everything right now for him feels and looks different,” Andrew Lopez of ESPN added. -via Clutch Points / March 18, 2024
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst explained on Monday’s episode of The Hoop Collective (42:50 mark) that Williamson’s commitment to getting in better shape over the past few months has fueled the Pelicans’ success. “I’ve got people in New Orleans telling me that since December when the In-Season Tournament happened, that Zion Williamson has lost 25 or more pounds, and his performance has been excellent,” Windhorst said. “He’s playing fewer minutes and I think that helps as well, but I’ve got people telling me he’s lost 25 pounds. And I don’t mean like in the past where they say, ‘Oh, he’s added muscle’ and it’s like, ‘Has he?'” -via Bleacher Report / March 18, 2024
Christian Clark: Final: Pelicans 126, Trail Blazers 107 CJ McCollum scores 30 points against his old team. Zion had 26. B.I. with 22. Big 3 played well. New Orleans is 41-26. Needs 1 more win to match last season’s win total. 15 regular-season games remaining. -via Twitter @cclark_13 / March 16, 2024