It has been more than 5 1/2 years since Zion Williamson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and it often feels as if he has yet to get his career going.
However, there is no denying Williamson’s immense talent, which was on display when the New Orleans Pelicans’ forward put on a show in the opening game of a back-to-back against the Phoenix Suns. The finale of the set will be played Friday in Phoenix.
Williamson produced the first triple-double of his career with 27 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds to lead New Orleans to a 124-116 road win over the Suns on Thursday night. He matched his career high in assists on a night when he made 13 of 17 field-goal attempts.
Williamson admitted an effort such as Thursday’s lets him know what he is capable of being at some point in his NBA career.
“Absolutely,” Williamson said. “These nights are definitely big for the confidence and the reminder of who I am.”
Williamson is still just 24 years old, but staying healthy is the ingredient needed for him to fulfill his potential.
The Thursday contest was just his 22nd of the season due to injuries, rest nights and a one-game suspension for missing a flight. He has played 30 or more games in a season only twice in his career — 61 in 2020-21 and a career-best 70 last season.
The player who dominated on Thursday is the version Pelicans coach Willie Green likes to see.
“He was fantastic,” Green said. “He carried us down the stretch. Triple-double. Zion’s been amazing.”
Of course, the injury history means there is no guarantee Williamson will be active for the Friday rematch.
Williamson knew the question of his Friday availability was coming at some point during his postgame media responsibilities and was ready when it was fired in his direction.
“Gotta talk to the higher-ups about that one. Great question,” Williamson said, with a laugh.
Six other Pelicans joined Williamson in double figures as New Orleans won its third straight game and prevailed for the fourth time in five contests.
The Pelicans also delivered a massive hit to the fading Suns, who lost for the 10th time in 12 games.
Phoenix slipped to five games below .500 with just 23 games to play. The Suns are 3 1/2 games behind for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.
Phoenix star Devin Booker recorded 36 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, but his efforts were again in vain.
Booker defined what he sees as the problem with the Suns.
“Skipping over the details and always taking the ‘get ’em next game’ mentality,” Booker said. “At some point, you’ve got to draw a line, and (it) should’ve been drawn a long time ago.”
Fellow star Kevin Durant, who had 28 points, pointed to defense and rebounding as problems.
Asked whether he is having trouble staying optimistic in the midst of the team’s lengthy slump, Durant was careful with his words.
“I don’t want to say the wrong thing and people take it out of context,” Durant said, “so I’m just going to agree that we’ve got to be better.”
Pressed about Booker’s comments, Durant said the dialogue has been good and the pride is high.
“Guys still want to figure this thing out,” Durant said. “I’m confident that our group will come out (Friday) with a sense of urgency and be better.”
Phoenix coach Mike Budenholzer understands the frustration.
“They’re competing,” Budenholzer said of his players. “We’ve got to make a few more plays on both ends of the court and get over the hump and feel that and then try to build on that.”
Suns guard Bradley Beal (calf) sat out the Thursday game. His status will be determined Friday.
–Field Level Media
