He spent his first half with a smile on his face. Clearly, Zion Williamson was happy to return to the NBA floors. His stat sheet also proves it since he compiled 25 points, 9 rebounds and 4 steals in the Pelicans’ impressive victory on the Brooklyn floor.
Figures that recall those of his last year in the NBA, in 2020/21, because he remains, let us remember, on a white season. “He picked up where he left off”explains Brandon Ingram at ESPN. “It’s as if he had never been absent”adds Willie Green.
Even Kevin Durant could only bow to the 2021 All-Star performance. “He looks in good shape, he looks good. 25 points, 9 rebounds, it’s normal for him. »
After more than a year without playing, nothing has changed: Zion made Zion. He only scored close to the circle (his eleven baskets were all in the key) and imposed his power on Ben Simmons. As a symbol of his match, from the first basket, he misses the target before taking his rebound, coming back up and finishing.
“There were shots where I thought it was good, but it didn’t come in”he notes, still a little rusty. “My teammates are there for me, they tell me to stay aggressive, to keep attacking, to be myself. They are close to me so my confidence will remain very high. »
The New Orleans player must regain his feelings but also adapt to his new teammates. And for good reason: before this first match, only Brandon Ingram and Naji Marshall had already played alongside him.
“There is room to progress”assures the former Duke. “I’m still getting to know my teammates. Serious things have started now, I can’t wait to move forward. »
