With 29.3 points on average over the last three victories (in four matches) for the Pelicans, Zion Williamson has been in great shape for two weeks. The Spurs, even without Gregg Popovich on the bench, therefore had a plan to limit him, especially after having already taken 32 points from him on November 23.
But nothing helps: the interior of New Orleans is too strong for San Antonio. He confirmed it with a new high quality performance: 30 points at 9/14 to shoot, 15 rebounds and 8 assists.
“He is so powerful, he is an incredible athlete”notes the former coach of the Sixers, Brett Brown, to ESPNwho served as the interim bench for the Texans. “I’ve been in this league for quite a while, but the power, the strength of Zion is unique. Whatever you want to do, you have to do it quickly, because at the slightest hint of indecision, it’s already too late. »
Zion leans left
Throughout the game, especially in the third quarter when Zion scored 15 points, the Spurs were behind. The All-Star broke through the defense by systematically starting on his left.
“I was on the free-throw line and I heard a Spurs player say to another, ‘don’t let him go to the left'”, says Trey Murphy III. “The other replied: ‘I’m trying, but it’s not easy’. I added that yes, sorry, this guy is really powerful. »
Zion Williamson simply had one of his best games of the season, perhaps even his most successful, his most complete, since he equaled his assists record and broke his season record for rebounds in Texas.
“He is only at the beginning of his abilities”, assures Willie Green for nola. “He will continue to be better. He’s seen multiple defensive covers when he’s got the ball in his hands, he makes the play for us over and over again. He makes the right choice. »
| Zion Williamson | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 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 | NO | 16 | 32 | 59.2 | 33.3 | 71.3 | 2.1 | 4.6 | 6.6 | 4.1 | 2.5 | 1.3 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 23.1 |
| Total | 101 | 32 | 60.2 | 33.3 | 68.7 | 2.6 | 4.3 | 6.9 | 3.4 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 25.3 | |
