Willie Green on Zion Williamson playing with wrist injury: 'He's showing the world what he is about'
Pelicans Film Room: He is showing the world what he is about… He had to gut through an injury tonight. He knew his teammates needed him and he came through for us in the end” — Willie Green on Zion Williamson fighting through his wrist injury
Source: Twitter
Source: Twitter
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Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Zion Williamson just became a SUPERSTAR and the New Orleans Pelicans look to the NBA Playoffs
youtube.com/watch?v=-5lc3X… pic.twitter.com/OGJSOCjWGJ – 1:36 AM
Zion Williamson just became a SUPERSTAR and the New Orleans Pelicans look to the NBA Playoffs
youtube.com/watch?v=-5lc3X… pic.twitter.com/OGJSOCjWGJ – 1:36 AM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
#Pelicans lead wire-to-wire, move closer to clinching West playoff berth via 135-123 win at Sacramento. Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum 31 pts apiece, with McCollum going 9/12 from three-point range. New Orleans magic number is 2. Postgame wrap: neworlns.co/3VWJVPg pic.twitter.com/NzFSFA9wsE – 12:32 AM
#Pelicans lead wire-to-wire, move closer to clinching West playoff berth via 135-123 win at Sacramento. Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum 31 pts apiece, with McCollum going 9/12 from three-point range. New Orleans magic number is 2. Postgame wrap: neworlns.co/3VWJVPg pic.twitter.com/NzFSFA9wsE – 12:32 AM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
What a fun pic! Doing the TNT postgame interview together and Zion Williamson said it best, “I mean you see it right here, we a team.” pic.twitter.com/eCPPVzqE9o – 12:27 AM
What a fun pic! Doing the TNT postgame interview together and Zion Williamson said it best, “I mean you see it right here, we a team.” pic.twitter.com/eCPPVzqE9o – 12:27 AM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Final: Pels 135, Kings 123
McCollum 31 pts (9-12 3PT)
Williamson 31 pts, 6 assts
Murphy 27 pts
Pels secure their 5th win of the year over the Kings. Dominant performances by Zion, CJ and Trey. With this win, Pels hang on to the 6th seed for one more day. Sac hosts PHX tomorrow – 12:25 AM
Final: Pels 135, Kings 123
McCollum 31 pts (9-12 3PT)
Williamson 31 pts, 6 assts
Murphy 27 pts
Pels secure their 5th win of the year over the Kings. Dominant performances by Zion, CJ and Trey. With this win, Pels hang on to the 6th seed for one more day. Sac hosts PHX tomorrow – 12:25 AM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
The Pelicans beat the Kings 135-123. That’s five wins against them on the season, and after a tough 1-5 home stand, the Pels have won 3 straight on the road. 27-14 on the road. SO impressive.
Williamson: 31 PTS, 6 AST, 3 STL
McCollum: 31 PTS, 7 AST, 8 3s
Murphy: 27 PTS, 6 3s – 12:24 AM
The Pelicans beat the Kings 135-123. That’s five wins against them on the season, and after a tough 1-5 home stand, the Pels have won 3 straight on the road. 27-14 on the road. SO impressive.
Williamson: 31 PTS, 6 AST, 3 STL
McCollum: 31 PTS, 7 AST, 8 3s
Murphy: 27 PTS, 6 3s – 12:24 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Pelicans tonight:
McCollum — 31 PTS | 7 AST | 9-12 3P
Zion — 31 PTS | 3 STL | 13-21 FG
Murphy — 27 PTS | 5 REB | 6-12 3P
5-0 vs the Kings this season. pic.twitter.com/JYWI9jX0BG – 12:23 AM
Pelicans tonight:
McCollum — 31 PTS | 7 AST | 9-12 3P
Zion — 31 PTS | 3 STL | 13-21 FG
Murphy — 27 PTS | 5 REB | 6-12 3P
5-0 vs the Kings this season. pic.twitter.com/JYWI9jX0BG – 12:23 AM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
Pelicans went on this huge run with Zion on the bench too. That’s the worst part. – 12:09 AM
Pelicans went on this huge run with Zion on the bench too. That’s the worst part. – 12:09 AM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
The Pelicans adding 11 points to their lead (and now lead 120-100) while Zion Williamson has been resting since the start of the fourth quarter… pic.twitter.com/0rZgzyJdMS – 12:09 AM
The Pelicans adding 11 points to their lead (and now lead 120-100) while Zion Williamson has been resting since the start of the fourth quarter… pic.twitter.com/0rZgzyJdMS – 12:09 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Willie Green has his guys clicking at the right time again. We saw how dangerous that 2022 Pelicans squad was for the Suns and now they’ve got much more continuity/experience + Zion. A dangerous matchup for anyone. – 12:08 AM
Willie Green has his guys clicking at the right time again. We saw how dangerous that 2022 Pelicans squad was for the Suns and now they’ve got much more continuity/experience + Zion. A dangerous matchup for anyone. – 12:08 AM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Jose Alvarado and Dyson Daniels have been real sparks in this second half, adding to the momentum created by Zion Williamson.
Pelicans lead Kings 112-98 with 8:11 remaining after Trey Murphy slams home an alley-oop dunk in transition. – 12:04 AM
Jose Alvarado and Dyson Daniels have been real sparks in this second half, adding to the momentum created by Zion Williamson.
Pelicans lead Kings 112-98 with 8:11 remaining after Trey Murphy slams home an alley-oop dunk in transition. – 12:04 AM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Pelicans are taking a 98-89 lead over the Kings into the fourth quarter. Zion Williamson owned the third, scoring 17 of his 25 points while making multiple big defensive plays. Combine all of that with flashing a midrange jumper of late, he looks ready to storm into the playoffs. – 11:56 PM
Pelicans are taking a 98-89 lead over the Kings into the fourth quarter. Zion Williamson owned the third, scoring 17 of his 25 points while making multiple big defensive plays. Combine all of that with flashing a midrange jumper of late, he looks ready to storm into the playoffs. – 11:56 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of 3rd: Pelicans 98, Kings 89
Williamson 25 pts (17 in 3rd)
Murphy 21 pts
McCollum 19 pts (5-7 3PT)
Sensational quarter from Zion after injuring his wrist in the 1st half. Pels have spaced the floor really well for him. Helps when u go 16-31 on 3s. – 11:55 PM
End of 3rd: Pelicans 98, Kings 89
Williamson 25 pts (17 in 3rd)
Murphy 21 pts
McCollum 19 pts (5-7 3PT)
Sensational quarter from Zion after injuring his wrist in the 1st half. Pels have spaced the floor really well for him. Helps when u go 16-31 on 3s. – 11:55 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Zion scored 17 points in the third quarter. Up to 25 points (10-16 FG) going into the fourth. – 11:54 PM
Zion scored 17 points in the third quarter. Up to 25 points (10-16 FG) going into the fourth. – 11:54 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Pelicans lead the Kings 98-89 headed to the 4th in Sacramento. Zion Williamson a 17 point 3rd quarter, now with 25 for New Orleans. Kings get 22 from Harrison Barnes and 21 from De’Aaron Fox. – 11:54 PM
Pelicans lead the Kings 98-89 headed to the 4th in Sacramento. Zion Williamson a 17 point 3rd quarter, now with 25 for New Orleans. Kings get 22 from Harrison Barnes and 21 from De’Aaron Fox. – 11:54 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Kings trail 98-89 heading to the fourth. Barnes has 22 points to pace the Kings. Fox has 21 and Sabonis has 14 point and 9 rebounds. Kings shut off the McCollum/Murphy faucet, but Zion scored 17 in the third. – 11:54 PM
Kings trail 98-89 heading to the fourth. Barnes has 22 points to pace the Kings. Fox has 21 and Sabonis has 14 point and 9 rebounds. Kings shut off the McCollum/Murphy faucet, but Zion scored 17 in the third. – 11:54 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Zion up to three steals. When he’s being disruptive on defense the Pels are a much better team. – 11:50 PM
Zion up to three steals. When he’s being disruptive on defense the Pels are a much better team. – 11:50 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Zion with a steal leading to another Alvarado 3.
Zion’s effort in this game has been incredible – 11:49 PM
Zion with a steal leading to another Alvarado 3.
Zion’s effort in this game has been incredible – 11:49 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
A Williamson block leads to an Alvarado 3, and on next possession, Zion blows by Barnes for easy lay-in.
Then Daniels takes big offensive foul against Fox in transition.
Pelicans have largely been impressive in this 3rd QTR. Nice bounce back after Kings had momentum at halftime – 11:47 PM
A Williamson block leads to an Alvarado 3, and on next possession, Zion blows by Barnes for easy lay-in.
Then Daniels takes big offensive foul against Fox in transition.
Pelicans have largely been impressive in this 3rd QTR. Nice bounce back after Kings had momentum at halftime – 11:47 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Zion block leading to an Alvarado 3. Absolutely love the effort right now – 11:44 PM
Zion block leading to an Alvarado 3. Absolutely love the effort right now – 11:44 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Zion has two mid-range jumpers in this third quarter alone. A beautiful sight – 11:44 PM
Zion has two mid-range jumpers in this third quarter alone. A beautiful sight – 11:44 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
After the Kings had crept to within two of the Pelicans’ lead, Zion Williamson scores six straight points to put New Orleans up 84-76. He’s up to 21 points. – 11:41 PM
After the Kings had crept to within two of the Pelicans’ lead, Zion Williamson scores six straight points to put New Orleans up 84-76. He’s up to 21 points. – 11:41 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Another midrange jumper just inside the FT line from Zion Williamson.
Delicious. – 11:40 PM
Another midrange jumper just inside the FT line from Zion Williamson.
Delicious. – 11:40 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Zion starting to go to that 12-15 foot jumper with more regularity. Could be a tremendous development for his game if he starts knocking them down consistently. – 11:39 PM
Zion starting to go to that 12-15 foot jumper with more regularity. Could be a tremendous development for his game if he starts knocking them down consistently. – 11:39 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Zion makes his first two shots of the second half, both lefty finishes inside. Wrist looks fine. – 11:28 PM
Zion makes his first two shots of the second half, both lefty finishes inside. Wrist looks fine. – 11:28 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Zion Williamson just walked out to the bench with about 3 minutes left before the start of the 2nd half – 11:19 PM
Zion Williamson just walked out to the bench with about 3 minutes left before the start of the 2nd half – 11:19 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Zion subbed out at the 6-minute mark in second quarter and never returned. Awaiting word on his left wrist. Pelicans lead Kings 64-58. Trey and CJ combined to make 9 3s. New Orleans is 12 of 21 from behind the arc. – 11:08 PM
Zion subbed out at the 6-minute mark in second quarter and never returned. Awaiting word on his left wrist. Pelicans lead Kings 64-58. Trey and CJ combined to make 9 3s. New Orleans is 12 of 21 from behind the arc. – 11:08 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Pelicans taking a 64-58 lead against the Kings into halftime. Zion Williamson exited the game at the 6 minute mark of the 2nd quarter after falling on a lay-in attempt, appearing to hurt his left hand/wrist. TNT broadcast showed him going to the locker room. He never returned. – 11:08 PM
Pelicans taking a 64-58 lead against the Kings into halftime. Zion Williamson exited the game at the 6 minute mark of the 2nd quarter after falling on a lay-in attempt, appearing to hurt his left hand/wrist. TNT broadcast showed him going to the locker room. He never returned. – 11:08 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of 1st half: Pelicans 64, Kings 58
Murphy 20 pts (5-9 3PT)
McCollum 14 pts (4-6 3PT)
Valanciunas 9 pts, 7 rebs
Good news: Pels shot 12-21 on 3s, scored 15 fastbreak points and led the entire 1st half. Bad news: Zion Williamson left in the 2nd Q with an apparent wrist injury – 11:07 PM
End of 1st half: Pelicans 64, Kings 58
Murphy 20 pts (5-9 3PT)
McCollum 14 pts (4-6 3PT)
Valanciunas 9 pts, 7 rebs
Good news: Pels shot 12-21 on 3s, scored 15 fastbreak points and led the entire 1st half. Bad news: Zion Williamson left in the 2nd Q with an apparent wrist injury – 11:07 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Zion Williamson headed to the locker room after suffering an apparent wrist injury vs. the Kings. pic.twitter.com/l0I7B5hT3c – 11:04 PM
Zion Williamson headed to the locker room after suffering an apparent wrist injury vs. the Kings. pic.twitter.com/l0I7B5hT3c – 11:04 PM
Ball Don’t Lie @Balldontlie
Zion Williamson is headed to the locker room during Pelicans-Kings with an apparent wrist injury. pic.twitter.com/DAgBWdEdWp – 11:00 PM
Zion Williamson is headed to the locker room during Pelicans-Kings with an apparent wrist injury. pic.twitter.com/DAgBWdEdWp – 11:00 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Feels like Herb has to be on the floor whenever you go to Zion-at-the-5 lineups – 10:44 PM
Feels like Herb has to be on the floor whenever you go to Zion-at-the-5 lineups – 10:44 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of 1st: Pelicans 34, Kings 23
Murphy 12 pts (3-5 3PT)
Williamson 6 pts
Valanciunas 5 pts, 4 rebs
Kings end the quarter on a 12-0 run after falling behind by 23 points in the 1st. Pels have allowed the momentum to slip away. The transition defense has to be better. – 10:35 PM
End of 1st: Pelicans 34, Kings 23
Murphy 12 pts (3-5 3PT)
Williamson 6 pts
Valanciunas 5 pts, 4 rebs
Kings end the quarter on a 12-0 run after falling behind by 23 points in the 1st. Pels have allowed the momentum to slip away. The transition defense has to be better. – 10:35 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Coming out of a timeout, De’Aaron Fox gets the ball stolen from him for a Zion dunk, followed by an offensive foul by Alex Len. 34-11 Pels. – 10:26 PM
Coming out of a timeout, De’Aaron Fox gets the ball stolen from him for a Zion dunk, followed by an offensive foul by Alex Len. 34-11 Pels. – 10:26 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Great start by the Pelicans, jumping out to a 16-5 lead over the Kings. They’re showing a real commitment in pressuring the ball defensively. Offensively, excellent man/ball movement and Jonas Valanciunas/Zion Williamson are owning the paint against Domantas Sabonis/Barnes. – 10:13 PM
Great start by the Pelicans, jumping out to a 16-5 lead over the Kings. They’re showing a real commitment in pressuring the ball defensively. Offensively, excellent man/ball movement and Jonas Valanciunas/Zion Williamson are owning the paint against Domantas Sabonis/Barnes. – 10:13 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
There are some teams well equipped to make things difficult for Zion. The Kings are not one of those teams. – 10:13 PM
There are some teams well equipped to make things difficult for Zion. The Kings are not one of those teams. – 10:13 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Sabonis is guarding Zion on the first possession. Barnes on Valanciunas. Valanciunas scores over Barnes. – 10:06 PM
Sabonis is guarding Zion on the first possession. Barnes on Valanciunas. Valanciunas scores over Barnes. – 10:06 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Zion Williamson’s Pelicans are serious: With strong cast and surging star, they ‘never had a team like this’
(By @outsidethenba)
cbssports.com/nba/news/zion-… – 12:39 PM
Zion Williamson’s Pelicans are serious: With strong cast and surging star, they ‘never had a team like this’
(By @outsidethenba)
cbssports.com/nba/news/zion-… – 12:39 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Portland was getting a whole lot of easy looks at the rim to start this one. Willie Green responds by shifting into the 2-3 zone. – 10:36 PM
Portland was getting a whole lot of easy looks at the rim to start this one. Willie Green responds by shifting into the 2-3 zone. – 10:36 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Small ball?
“It’s something I have been watching and studying and feeling for a long time,” Willie Green said.
As the postseason approaches and teams load up on Zion, it seems like we’re only going to see Green go to it more. nola.com/sports/pelican… – 8:51 PM
Small ball?
“It’s something I have been watching and studying and feeling for a long time,” Willie Green said.
As the postseason approaches and teams load up on Zion, it seems like we’re only going to see Green go to it more. nola.com/sports/pelican… – 8:51 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Willie Green said Brandon Ingram was able to play some 1-on-1 in yesterday’s practice. Still hasn’t progressed to the point of being a full participant. – 8:44 PM
Willie Green said Brandon Ingram was able to play some 1-on-1 in yesterday’s practice. Still hasn’t progressed to the point of being a full participant. – 8:44 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
What could Brandon Ingram do in practice yesterday? Willie Green: “He went through warmup. Part of practice. He was on the floor doing player development work. Starting to do a little bit of 1 on 1. He’s progressing.” – 8:43 PM
What could Brandon Ingram do in practice yesterday? Willie Green: “He went through warmup. Part of practice. He was on the floor doing player development work. Starting to do a little bit of 1 on 1. He’s progressing.” – 8:43 PM
More on this storyline
Christian Clark: Final: Pelicans 135, Kings 123 Zion, CJ both score 31. New Orleans goes 5-0 against Sacramento this season. Pelicans (48-32) remain in sixth place. They are 1 game ahead of the Suns. Magic number to clinch a playoff spot is 2. -via Twitter @cclark_13 / April 12, 2024
Will Guillory: Brandon Ingram (knee) is out and Naji Marshall (shoulder) is doubtful for tomorrow’s game at Portland. Zion Williamson and Jose Alvarado are no longer listed on the injury report. -via Twitter @WillGuillory / April 8, 2024
The complaints about Williamson’s defense were the most valid of all the on-court criticisms he’s received earlier in his career. He admitted he heard the criticism and used it as motivation. “I could definitely tell at the beginning of the season, because I’m an offensive player as well, the other team would try and hunt me on defense,” Williamson said. “I’m watching the film and I didn’t like that. … I just started taking a lot more pride in it. I worked on it and I continue to work on it so if I get called up, I can hold my own.” -via The Athletic / April 8, 2024