This is the price to pay for superstars: when their team loses, they are the ones who take the hits. This is the case of Zion Williamson. Transparent in the semi-final of the NBA tournament against the Lakers, the Pelicans power forward suffered numerous criticisms for several days, and more particularly on his physical form. Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley were the first to criticize him for not running, and for lacking ambition in his game with only eight shots taken.
Zion's response? His best performance of the season, against the best defense in the NBA: 36 points on 13 out of 17 shots, and a benchmark victory against the Wolves, the NBA leaders. Pure Zion, powerful and enterprising. A real ball of muscles that really hurt Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns.
“If it comes from a good feeling with simply the desire to see me do better, I thank them,” Williamson said. “But if it’s something else, everyone has the right to their own opinion.” I can't control it. I can't control what an adult says. I focus on myself, my teammates, my coaches, the Pelicans and the city. »
Criticized since the age of 16…
A calming and mature response, because the best answers are to be given on the ground. But also because he is used to being criticized.
“It’s been like this since I was 16”, added the New Orleans star. “If I want to become one of the best players in the league, and if we don't win an important game, that's to be expected. I'm glad we responded. »
A reaction with strong baskets with heavy support, and controlled dribbling and finishing. Ideal for forgetting the spanking received against the Lakers, and thus moving forward.
“I can’t relax and withdraw”
“It was a poor performance, and you didn’t have to be a genius to figure that out.” continues Williamson. “It was not a good performance. From start to finish, they played better than us. We have a lot of potential. But we also have a lot of room for improvement. I think we responded well, but we need to be more consistent. »
Him first, since what he is criticized for is this lack of regularity and this inability to impose his game every evening. As can the biggest stars. “I can’t relax and withdraw” he admits. “I have to always be aggressive, and my teammates have confidence in me. »
| 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 | 19 | 31 | 57.4 | 33.3 | 64.2 | 1.9 | 3.7 | 5.6 | 4.8 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 2.7 | 0.3 | 22.2 |
| Total | 133 | 32 | 60.1 | 34.2 | 68.5 | 2.4 | 4.3 | 6.8 | 3.8 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 2.8 | 0.5 | 25.3 | |
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.
