Between his injuries, his delays and his misbehavior, Zion Williamson annoys more than excites Pelicans fans, and of course its leaders. He is the leader of the group and the franchise, and the power forward must set an example. He must prove that he is invested in the project. Off the field, but also on it (when he is not suspended or injured…), and listening to his coach, he demonstrated it last night in the victory in Chicago.
“He’s incredible!” As soon as he's on the floor, everything improves! We can feel its energy and its force of attraction” explains Willie Green. Against the Bulls, Zion Williamson put himself at the service of his teammates with 9 assists, to complete his 21 points and 7 rebounds. In just 23 minutes! Two of his passes made the difference in the 4th quarter when Jose Alvarado allowed the Pelicans to take the break.
“I have confidence in my shooters, and I was often able to find them, and they put in” reacts Zion Williamson, who finishes two assists short of his career record.
Fewer than 10 wins at mid-term
Even if the season seems ruined with 9 wins for 32 losses, and Herb Jones and Brandon Ingram are in the infirmary, the Pelicans seem to have found a formula that works with a five composed of CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III and the Williamson-Missi pair under the panels. Willie Green's players have four wins in seven matches, and they were one shot away from winning in Boston.
“We move forward, and we play together. Everyone contributes, and it’s a great collective victory” insists Trey Murphy III, top scorer of the match despite his big clumsiness at 3-points (2 out of 13!). For his coach, only continued work will save the season, or what remains of it.
“The healthier we are, the more continuity we will have collectively”repeats Willie Green. “This will allow us to rely on the same players all the time. That hasn't been the case for most of the season. It helps the offense find its rhythm.”
An attack centered on Zion Williamson, if he is on the floor… “There is this drawing power that Zion brings when he is on the court, especially as a passer to allow all of our guys to easily find rhythm on shots. It makes the game easier” concludes the Pelicans coach.
