Is it the foot, the calf or even the knee? Impossible to know at the moment, but Zion Williamson got injured at the worst time last night. Author of one of his best career matches, the Pelicans interior had destroyed the Lakers defense. And then, during a timeout, he gets angry and rushes to the locker room. He doesn't seem to be limping but he throws in the towel. Or rather his rage towel.
His exit will sound the death knell for the hopes of the Pelicans, finally beaten by the Lakers. All is not lost since Willie Green's players have a second chance to qualify, and it will be at home against the Kings. But will Zion Williamson be there?
An MRI planned
“He felt pain in his left leg” explains the Pelicans coach. “He’s going to have an MRI. I don’t know if it’s the knee or the foot, but I’m sure that on Wednesday we’ll know more, and I’ll have more information to give you.”
It's so cruel for Williamson who was playing his first “play-in” match… Transparent on Sunday against these same Lakers, he had been monstrous before his exit: 40 points and 11 rebounds. And he had just equalized (95-95) three minutes from the end.
“It’s hard… Especially considering all the work he’s done this season. He had never played so many matches in his career. This really sucks, and we wish him the best for the future.” testifies Trey Murphy after this 4th defeat in five matches against the Lakers.
From now on, we must re-mobilize with this “final” against the Kings to earn the right to face the Thunder in the first round. The presence of Zion will be essential to believe it. An important stat: the Pelicans have never lost to the Kings this season!
