New Orleans Pelicans: Debut of Zion Williamson, Face of the Franchise

New Orleans Pelicans: Notes from Zion Williamson’s debut

What did we learn?

From this game we learned that the New Orleans Pelicans could make a serious run at a playoff spot with Zion Williamson finally with the team. In fact, Zion had a  plus three net rating during his minutes on the floor, leading to the realization that when he plays he won’t only contribute to the fun but also winning.

The lineup of Lonzo Ball, Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Derrick Favors had a +130 net rating in nearly 230 minutes together, that group was plus-four in this game and was not on the floor during Zion’s scorching fourth quarter (he was playing center in a small-ball lineup, with four shooters around him).

How did we feel about the team after the game?

Yes, the  New Orleans Pelicans lost the game and yes the organization took a bunch of crap for taking Zion out in the fourth quarter when he was going off (he needed to come out). But it was hard not to feel really good about the team after this game. The main players on the roster were finally healthy and they looked good together.

The schedule was going to be hard in the coming days with the Nuggets, Celtics, Rockets, and Bucks coming up in the next two weeks. However, after that stretch, the New Orleans Pelicans were set to have the easiest schedule in the NBA for the stretch run and playoff push.

Notes from the game,

-Really good pregame video from ESPN about Zion, the line “the anticipation of awe” surrounding Zion sent chills.

-Favors missed a baseline jumper in the first quarter, he had made 23 straight attempts before that. The record is 35 straight by Wilt Chamberlain, according to ESPN.

-This was the first time seeing Lonnie Walker IV since he cut his hair recently, the story behind his hair is pretty scary and heartfelt.

-San Antonio’s assistant coach Chip Engelland is credited with fixing Kawhi Leonard’s shot, his first client was Steve Kerr.

-Lonzo was on pace for 160 made three-pointers this season, had 139 made with 18 games left to play when the season was paused.

-Jaxson Hayes’ father, Jonathan Hayes, played 13 years in the NFL as a tight end and was the head coach and general manager of the XFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks (RIP XFL).

-ESPN had a promo for the Lakers-76ers game taking place just three days after this game. LeBron James would pass Kobe Bryant on the All-Time points leaderboard. Kobe died in a tragic helicopter crash the morning after that game.