Yesterday felt like a turning point for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Not only did they get the news that Zion Williamson has been fully cleared for action, but they beat the Utah Jazz on the road on a buzzer beater by Devonte’ Graham.
Pelicans’ Zion Williamson (fractured foot) has been cleared for full basketball activities, team says.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 26, 2021
The news about Zion came before last night’s win over the Utah Jazz, which was hard fought and won by a clutch shot by Devonte’ Graham at the buzzer.
DEVONTE' GRAHAM WINS IT FOR THE PELS‼️ #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/jva5nB2xk6
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 27, 2021
It was great to see the Pelicans’ bench celebrate and it seemed like they knew that shot was going in even before it left Graham’s hands.
Graham’s buzzer beater was just one sign that the Pelicans can still save their season.
Signs of the season turning around for the New Orleans Pelicans
Yes, the Pels are just 5-16 after winning two-in-a-row, so it is not like they are knocking on the door of title contention.
But they are only five games behind the Timberwolves for the 10th and final play-in spot. They are a game and a half behind the Spurs, two games behind the Thunder and three and a half behind the Kings.
All of these teams are lousy and at full strength, so I see no reason why the Pelicans can’t overtake all of them with a solid run of games once Zion Williamson returns.
The Pelicans have shown heart and stayed somewhat afloat without their best player even though they’ve played a brutal schedule.
In other words, there are reasons for fans to be hopeful and it’s not just about the record.