Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans get crucial first win in NBA bubble vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The New Orleans Pelicans did what they had to do Monday night and Zion Williamson wasted none of his limited minutes of play.
The highly anticipated seeding game showcased former AAU teammates and top two 2019 draft picks Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, both hoping their team would not claim 0-3 in the bubble.
The Pelicans got the best of the Memphis Grizzlies, winning 109-99, with Williamson accounting for 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists. In accordance with the Pelicans' conditioning plan and Williamson's minutes restriction, he played in five-minutes stints through the first three quarters but closed the fourth quarter with a long run totaling 25 minutes.
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In the Pelicans' first and second appearances, Williamson totaled just shy of 30 minutes proving Monday that his help on the court would secure the team's first win of the restart. After the game, Zion says he "felt alive again" during an on-court interview.
"My competitive spirit was there, and I'm glad Coach and the whole team trusted me to finish the game out," Williamson said.
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The Grizzlies are still the top contender for the eighth seed in the Western Conference, but Monday's loss did lower their advantage.
The big win for the Pelicans allowed another clutch player to shine: Brandon Ingram.
Ingram, a top contender for the NBA most improved player award at the end of the season, had 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. He scored 10 of those points in the fourth.
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To close the game down the stretch, Williamson and Ingram fed off of each other, Williamson sharing after the game that they were put in a position to make plays.
“That was just one of those things where we’re just two hoppers, and we’re just playing off each other," Williamson said. "Coach is giving us the right guidance and putting us in the right position to make plays."
Contact Analis Bailey at aabailey@usatoday.com or on Twitter @analisbailey.