By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After a 2-0 start in the 2022-23 NBA Regular Season, the New Orleans Pelicans were forced into the loss column with Zion Williamson watching from the bench.
Williamson, 22, logged 25 points in 30 minutes before an early exit in the first NBA Sundays edition of the new season. Following the conclusion of the tight battle against the Utah Jazz spilling into overtime, the Pelicans announced the player sustained a posterior hip contusion.
The former Duke standout, selected with the first overall pick of the 2019 NBA draft, was limited to 85 games played over his first two seasons due to injuries. In this case, he crashed to the floor after effective defense by Jordan Clarkson and did not return, nor did he make his way to the locker room during the game, instead remained on the bench.
“I saw the replay and it was all ball, so a really great play by J.C.,” commented Finnish forward of the Jazz Lauri Markkanen, “Really good hands by him just to get all ball.”
Williamson is averaging 22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.7 blocks per contest at the top of his third campaign in the NBA.
“I thought, ‘Oh, man, this isn’t good. Unfortunate play,” said Pels teammate CJ McCollum, “Hopefully, he’s back sooner than later. But that’s a lot of weight, a lot of energy, a lot of athleticism coming down.”
In addition, Brandon Ingram left the Pelicans’ home opener with a head injury. He is being evaluated for concussion-like symptoms.
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