Zion Williamson put a stamp on the New Orleans Pelicans’ 128-117 win over the Phoenix Suns, which kept New Orleans in first place and pushed the Suns down to the 3-seed.
The Pels used a dominant 3rd quarter and another brilliant performance from Zion to get it done even though they were missing two starters.
It was the Pels’ 6th win in a row, and right now they look like one of the best all-around teams in the NBA, and they are just getting started, as we’ve barely seen them at full strength.
The Pelicans should be the talk of the NBA for what they are doing right now, but instead it was the end of last night’s game that is getting all of the attention, as Zion Williamson threw down a thunderous 360 windmill dunk at the end of the game that hurt the feelings of the poor Suns:
Good morning to everyone who isn’t a miserable crybaby who hates life. #Pelicans #zionwilliamson https://t.co/ZVLEU2aoK2
— Pelican Debrief (@PelicanDebrief) December 10, 2022
The move broke one of the precious “unwritten rules” that says the team that is losing is allowed to try and keep scoring, but the team that’s winning is not, and if it’s a bucket that actually entertains the home crowd, well, shame on you.
There was a brief scuffle and talk from the Suns about “sportsmanship” (rich coming from them) after the game, which led to Zion offering an apology in the post-game press conference, saying:
"“That was a little out of character for me…I got carried away a little bit. I admit that…But I was in that locker room when my brothers were down because the Suns sent us home last year. That’s a tough moment to be a part of. So, in that moment got carried away. I admit that.”"
Even though Zion Williamson is known for his acrobatic dunks that defy physics, he’s not known for being a showboat, and it didn’t seem that was the case last night. And even if it was, Zion has absolutely nothing to apologize for.
New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson has no reason to be sorry.
I have so many problems with Chris freaking Paul of all people calling people out for being unsportsmanlike. He is known for being a dirty player and constantly whining to the refs. Wasn’t this the same guy who intentionally elbowed Jose Alvarado in the playoffs last season out of frustration? Wasn’t this the same guy who kicked Jose in the nethers?
Wasn’t this the same CP3 that tried to score on the play before, bricking a layup? Was he trying to show the Pelicans up or pad his stats? If he wanted the clock to be run out, why didn’t he just do it? He had the chance but instead chose to try and keep scoring and the Pels were just returning the favor.
Also, Chris, this you?
Relax @CP3 pic.twitter.com/GdCzHDhIiE
— KB (@KBKnowzBest) December 10, 2022
Funny how it’s only unsportsmanlike if someone else is doing it.
Zion Williamson was trying to entertain the home crowd that was amazing all night. There wasn’t a single Suns player around him, he wasn’t trying to posterize anyone and did it to give a thrill to the fans who pay huge money to see him play. In other words, he did his job as an athlete and entertainer.
If there is anything that I hate it’s these “unwritten rules” that sound like a bunch of crap someone who calls the cops on people having BBQ’s came up with. As a fan, this is the kind of stuff I pay to see, and if CP3 or one of the other Suns can do a windmill 360 dunk to close out a win against the Pelicans, I say go for it. You won’t see us crying after the game.
In the end, this is just going to ratchet up the rivalry even more, which is a great thing. The NBA has become too nice, too toned down and there isn’t enough vitriol between teams anymore.
I for one was glad to see it and I hope Zion does it again tomorrow even if it means the Suns are going to call the manager.