Those who follow the New Orleans Pelicans on a regular basis are extremely familiar with Zion Williamson, highly productive offensive player – he’s scored 30-plus points a dozen times this season, shooting at least 50 percent from the field in every instance. Less recognizable are two versions of the two-time All-Star power forward that were on display Sunday, highlighting a monumental 113-105 victory at Phoenix. First, Zion the rim protector made his presence felt, blocking five Suns shots on the day before the 2024 solar eclipse, including swatting future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant from behind on a layup attempt. In the second half of Sunday’s win, Zion the mid-range marksman arrived, twice pulling up to sink jumpers from near the foul line, an effective counter to Phoenix’s defense packing the paint to try to stop him from driving. It’s a move the 23-year-old has been working on diligently recently, often honing it after Pelicans practices in Metairie.
Pelicans Highlights: Zion Williamson with 29 points vs. Phoenix Suns 4/7/24
Add it up and Williamson delivered one of the most thorough, all-around performances of his NBA career in Footprint Center, punctuating his 180th game as a pro by taking over in the fourth quarter (12 of his 29 points). Williamson’s statistical line of 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, five blocks and a steal served as one of the best examples to date of him making an impact all over the court.
“He was great,” said Pelicans guard CJ McCollum, who led the visitors with 31 points and seven three-pointers. “He finished well around the basket, distributed the ball well. The most impressive part of his game was protecting the rim, blocking shots, guarding guards. Doing everything he can to make sure we got the win.”
Williamson indicated Sunday that his defensive uptick has been partly motivated by noticing that opponents were targeting him at that end of the floor. It was something he wanted to rectify, to make sure he’s not viewed as a weak link anymore.
“I could definitely tell at the beginning of the season that the other team would try to hunt me on defense,” Williamson said. “I (was) watching the film, and I didn’t like that. I just started taking a lot more pride in it, worked on it, and continue to work on it. So if I get (pinpointed by opponents), I can hold my own.”
Williamson’s memorable Sunday kept the Pelicans in contention for a top-six seed in the Western Conference. If New Orleans (46-32) can secure the No. 6 spot this week – it will need some help with at least one loss by sixth-place Phoenix (46-32) – Williamson will get to make his NBA playoff debut this month. NBA fans who’ve sporadically watched him in previous seasons since he was 2019’s top draftee may notice a much different player.
“He’s been getting better and better defensively as the season has progressed,” Pelicans head coach Willie Green said after Sunday’s win. “Zion was everywhere. Guarding the ball, blocking shots, coming up with big-time offensive rebounds, attacking the basket, making his free throws. He carried us.”