Zion’s Return from Damage 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 harm and performed in simply his seventh contest of the season. He did not solely play, he uncorked quite a lot of rim-rattling dunks and regarded the a part of somebody who may also help New Orleans try and bounce again from its abysmal begin.

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

Anthony Edwards tallied 32 factors, 9 rebounds, three assists and two steals on 7-of-11 taking pictures 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 famous person, and Williamson completed with 22 factors, six rebounds, 4 assists and three steals on 9-of-15 taking pictures from the sphere. Teammate Dejounte Murray led the Pelicans with 29 factors, six steals and 6 assists, but it surely was Williamson who drew a lot of the response from social media:

Whereas Williamson has been probably the most high-profile harm 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 major purpose they’re among the many most disappointing groups within the league.

There was at the least extra firepower than common Tuesday with Williamson, Murray and McCollum all enjoying.

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 stepping into the lane to create appears 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 prime 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 usually 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 last push from New Orleans that included Murray inflicting turnovers, dispensing assists and scoring himself.

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