By Eric Jay Santos
On Tuesday night, Zion Williamson made his return to action after a 27-game absence due to a hamstring injury. Though the New Orleans Pelicans took a 104-97 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Williamson finished with a solid 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals over 28 minutes.
Williamson displayed his athleticism throughout the competitive match with numerous energizing dunks. The two-time All-Star had his top moment of the night in the opening minutes of the third quarter, converting a steal on Anthony Edwards into a 360 tomahawk slam.
“It felt great to be out there and playing in front of our fans,” Williamson told reporters at postgame availability. “I’m keeping learning more and more about my body and listening to the trainers for what I need to do.”
Prior to the match, head coach Willie Green indicated that the Pelicans forward would be on a minute restriction. While 28 minutes of court time ties a season-low for Williamson, Green was impressed by how the 24-year-old made a strong presence.
“It’s incredible, his ability to impact a basketball game when he’s on the floor,” Green said of Williamson. “He had a little bit of rust, but that’s as good as I’ve seen him, after being out as long as he’s been out. It’s a credit to Zion, the work that he’s been putting in to get himself ready to get on the floor and compete with his teammates.”
The Pelicans’ next game is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 8, against the Portland Trail Blazers. For this season, New Orleans holds a 2-5 record in games that Williamson has made an appearance.