After Ben Simmons, it was the turn of Zion Williamson to make his big comeback. The All-Star power forward had missed the last 45 regular season games, and we found him sharp for this resumption against the Magic. In 15 minutes, he scored 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 rebounds, and the Pelicans led by one point at halftime, before Orlando took advantage of the rest of the New Orleans stars to easily win the second half-time and the match (122-105).
“We can do cardio. We can lift cast iron. We can train. But nothing replaces playing basketball! » Lance Willie Green about his star player. ” He was good. He did what he knows how to do. It creates contact, and its gravity creates gaps. Like I said, I think the first half was pretty solid for us.”
A role of 5 in the “small ball”
A 68-point half where the Pelicans tried to implement their new offensive principles with three creators: CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Williamson. It’s “drive-and-kick” to destabilize the defense, with the search for the extra-pass, cuts after the pass, and it can lead to easy baskets like this big two-handed dunk at the end of the first quarter time.
It should also be noted that Green made him play as a “pivot” in a “small ball” five, as a replacement for Jonas Valanciunas. A role that suits him well, since he becomes the center of the attack, with space to fix defenders, and his reading of the game allows him to find unmarked teammates.
“He sees two or three players in front of him, and he just makes the right read on the next play. This is what we must continue to do” sums up his coach.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
