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Zion Williamson back to his best!

When we see him take the ball at the angle of the racket, we know that it’s almost ruined for his defender. Too powerful for the “little ones” and too fast for the “big ones”, Zion Williamson has regained his All-Star level. The proof last night against the Clippers with a 32-point outing, including 9 in the last quarter. It was he who scored the decisive tap 30 seconds from the end. One number doesn’t lie: the Pelicans power forward took 25 shots. This is his 3rd highest career total.

“He’s getting better and better, and that’s the key for him.” notes Willie Green. “He hadn’t played since January. He’s always looking for his rhythm, and he’s always looking for his physical condition. But as the season progresses, he improves. »

Don’t open the door for him!

The Pelicans benefit from this increase in power, but also from the presence of Herb Jones in the starting five. The team won its 5th victory in six matches last night, and the complementarity between Zion and Brandon Ingram is becoming more and more obvious. Defenses can’t miss their rotations, otherwise it’s punishment.

“Faced with these two players, we have to stay in front of them in defense” confirms Paul George. “They’re so good… If you give them an angle, and they don’t take it, they punish you! »

For Green, it’s a real relief to be able to count on his All-Star duo. Both are fragile, and ultimately they have little common experience.

Automation with Brandon Ingram

“These two players are extremely important for our group” continues the Pelicans coach. “When they are healthy, and playing at a high level, you can compete against anyone. We haven’t had them together for a long period of time, and it’s fortunate that they are healthy, that they play well and that they play together. »

This is exactly what Zion Williamson asked for midweek: play as much as possible with Ingram. He repeated it Friday evening. “I have always said that we have a lot of potential but also a lot of room for improvement. It’s up to us to continue to work on our automatisms, and the only way to do this is to play together. »

Zion Williamson Percentage Rebounds
Season Team MJ Min Shots 3pts L.F. Off Def Early Pd Party Int Bp Ct Pts
2019-20 NOP 24 28 58.3 42.9 64.0 2.7 3.6 6.3 2.1 1.8 0.7 2.5 0.4 22.5
2020-21 NOP 61 33 61.1 29.4 69.8 2.7 4.5 7.2 3.7 2.2 0.9 2.7 0.6 27.0
2022-23 NOP 29 33 60.8 36.8 71.4 2.0 5.0 7.0 4.6 2.2 1.1 3.4 0.6 26.0
2023-24 NOP 12 31 55.1 50.0 59.5 2.3 3.7 5.9 4.6 2.8 0.9 2.7 0.3 22.4
Total 126 32 60.0 34.8 68.3 2.5 4.4 6.9 3.7 2.2 0.9 2.8 0.5 25.5

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.

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