on Tuesday evening, the New Orleans Pelicans are playing the Golden State Warriors at the Smoothie King Center.
One of the team’s bright spots has been the play (and availability) of Zion Williamson.
The Duke legend had 13 points, five rebounds and two steals while shooting 7/13 from the field and 1/1 from three-point range in his first 20 minutes of playing time.
Zion Williamson’s Absurd Dunk Went Viral
During the game, Williamson also had a huge dunk that got a lot of views on social media.
Via The NBA: “ZION rises up and HAMMERS it down!”
Williamson came into the night with averages of 21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 58.7% from the field in 42 games.
He was the first pick in the 2019 NBA Draft after one season of college basketball.
So far, Williamson’s career has been more about his injuries (but when he’s on the floor, he’s been a top 25 player in the league).
Despite Williamson spending more time in the lineup, the Pelicans have been among the worst teams in the entire NBA.
They are the 14th seed in the Western Conference with a 16-42 record in 58 games.
Over their last ten games, the Pelicans have gone 4-6 (and they are 10-21 at home).
Following Golden State, they will play their next game on Thursday night when they visit the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.
Williamson will also receive great financial rewards for his ability to stay on the floor.
Via Legion Hoops (on February 20): “Zion Williamson can trigger a $42.2M contract guarantee for 2026-27 by playing in 61 games and meeting various weight conditions this season, per @KeithSmithNBA. Williamson is expected to play in his 41st game tonight 💰”
As for the Warriors, they came into the night as the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 30-27 record in 57 games.
They have gone 4-6 over their last ten games (and 11-16 on the road).
Following the Pelicans, the Warriors will play their next game on Wednesday night when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Pelicans last made the NBA playoffs in 2024.
Williamson has yet to appear in a playoff game.
Zion Williamson’s Absurd Dunk Went Viral In Warriors-Pelicans Game