Knock down the enemy. This is the state of mind of Zion Williamson this night, in the match which opposed the Wolves to the Pelicans. Badly embarked on the money-time, the players of New Orleans relied on their boss, who took the meeting in his big arms: victory 119-118, behind the 43 points of ZW.
Who can stop me ? Apparently, it’s not just La Fouine who asks the question.
Back following missing the Pelicans’ last 3 games (3 wins by the way), Zion had to face a determined Minnesota team. It must be said that following having exploded in the money-time in Miami a few hours earlier, Chris Finch’s men wanted to show a better face on a new trip. Not easy, knowing that in Louisiana there is a complicated monster to stop this season.
However, the Wolves might count on a good pair of D’Angelo Russell – Anthony Edwards (54 points), as well as the new good work of Naz Reid off the bench (13 points) and the precious buckets of Jaylen Nowell in the end of game (14 pawns). This money-time, we will talk regarding it once more, but Minnesota was clearly doing the job to erase Miami’s disillusionment.
The problem, once more…
It’s that opposite, there was Zion Williamson.
And in a completely crazy end to the game, the New Orleans tractor simply rolled over Minnesota.
The last 2 minutes of Zion Williamson’s game once morest Wolves tonight…
His team’s last 14 points, 14 of his career-high 43 points, a fucking 36 tons unstoppable on a highway.
What a pleasure to see him at 100%. pic.twitter.com/39hxLR2Cu6
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) December 29, 2022
A personal run of 14 points, the Pelicans’ last 14 points, refusing to lose at all costs.
Frowning, head down, Zion did not want to bow for his first game back.
It all started with a three-point shot, followed by penetrations, light or sometimes (too?) muscular finishes, Rudy Gobert’s nose faulting Williamson’s elbow. More seriously, enraged by this non-call, the Wolves had to keep a cool head because in front there was a tank truck with a very hot hand. And the deluge continued, on an interception followed by a dunk that blew up the Smoothie King Center audience.
Zion’s signature howl, cameras pointed at him, the NOLA phenomenon rocked the meeting on its own.
In a chaos of finish, Anthony Edwards’ last shot will not fit, well defended by rookie Jaylen Nowell. Another defeat at the buzzer, more heads down in Minnesota, more regrets following giving so much over almost the entire game.
Zion Williamson ends his game with 43 points, a new career high, and a beautiful wolf skin on his shoulders. With the All-Star Game voting taking place right now, the question is beginning to be answered quickly: what’s going to keep Zion from being an all-star starter this season? At 100%, the phenomenon is unplayable.
