Pelica Debrief
Fansided

New Orleans Pelicans: 3 keys to preseason-opening victory over Hawks

By Willie Lutz

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 7: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans hi-fives Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans against the Atlanta Hawks during a pre-season game on October 7, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 7: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans hi-fives Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans against the Atlanta Hawks during a pre-season game on October 7, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 7: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during a pre-season game on October 7, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 7: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during a pre-season game on October 7, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Zion Williamson soared over the Atlanta Hawks

Even though it was again, just the first game of the preseason, Zion Williamson was absolutely stunning for the New Orleans Pelicans tonight.

Much more fulfilling than the ten minutes of Summer League the rookie played, the rookie checked in and looked like the central piece of the team’s starting five. It seems like Alvin Gentry is employing an offensive scheme that allows Zion to feast against defenders.

Playing 28 minutes against the Hawks, Williamson scored 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, going 4-of-7 from the free-throw line as Atlanta defenders swatted at his shots to find answers for his athletic bursts.

Zion punished the rim against the Atlanta Hawks over and over again.

We knew Zion was going to be good around the rim, but he looked even more explosive tonight than during his time at Duke. As pointed out by Kevin O’Conner of The Ringer, every time he went to the rim it felt like he was going to slam it home.

Certainly doing more than just scoring, Zion kept the ball moving and the defense stifling. He added 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals for the Pelicans, keeping opponents guessing when/where he might attack next.

No matter the size of the opponent, Zion never looked discouraged or showed signs of backing down. Including his first dunk of the night over the 7-footer Damian Jones, the 6’6″ power forward looked like a higher-level player in this league right out of the gate.

While he certainly has something to improve from three-point range, where he went 0-for-2 on some ugly looks, in addition to his 4 turnovers, the rookie left fans with a lot of reasons to keep feeling excited.

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