Zion’s Return from Harm Excites NBA Followers Regardless of Pelicans’ Loss to Edwards, Wolves

There aren’t many silver linings for the 2024-25 New Orleans Pelicans, however they obtained one even in defeat Tuesday.

Zion Williamson is again.

The ahead returned after lacking the final 27 video games with a hamstring damage and performed in simply his seventh contest of the season. He did not solely play, he uncorked a variety of rim-rattling dunks and regarded the a part of somebody who will help New Orleans try to bounce again from its abysmal begin.

Nonetheless, it wasn’t sufficient in Tuesday’s Western Convention showdown at Smoothie King Heart. The Minnesota Timberwolves emerged with the 104-97 victory and dropped the Pelicans to 7-30 total.

Anthony Edwards tallied 32 factors, 9 rebounds, three assists and two steals on 7-of-11 capturing from deep. He wasn’t a one-man present, although, as Naz Reid posted a double-double of 13 factors and 12 rebounds whereas Julius Randle added 16 factors.

There have been additionally loads of eyes on the opposite celebrity, and Williamson completed with 22 factors, six rebounds, 4 assists and three steals on 9-of-15 capturing from the sphere. Teammate Dejounte Murray led the Pelicans with 29 factors, six steals and 6 assists, however it was Williamson who drew a lot of the response from social media:

Whereas Williamson has been essentially the most high-profile damage for the Pelicans, he’s not the one one. Brandon Ingram, Murray and CJ McCollum have additionally missed notable time this season, which is a main cause they’re among the many most disappointing groups within the league.

There was at the very least extra firepower than typical Tuesday with Williamson, Murray and McCollum all taking part in.

And New Orleans wanted that firepower to maintain tempo with Edwards within the early going, because the two-time All-Star got here out on fireplace from deep and poured in 21 factors within the first half. It was a continuation of his latest sizzling streak that noticed him rating 53 on Saturday in opposition to the Detroit Pistons and 37 in Monday’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Murray did a strong job of matching that manufacturing by inflicting havoc on protection and entering into the lane to create seems for himself and others. Williamson additionally blended in a number of dunks within the third quarter and confirmed the bounce he’s identified for when he’s wholesome.

Anybody pondering he would not high his first-quarter alley-oop was fairly mistaken, as he unleashed a 360-windmill dunk to fireside up the gang when he broke free in transition.

However, as has typically been the case this season, the Pelicans could not make sufficient performs down the stretch to earn the win. The guests maintained a double-digit lead for a lot of the fourth quarter, which supplied sufficient cushion to outlive a ultimate push from New Orleans that included Murray inflicting turnovers, meting out assists and scoring himself.

Now the Timberwolves will look to construct on the momentum of their newest win after they face the Orlando Magic on the street Thursday.