Tagbilaran City, Bohol – Zion Williamson had to miss an entire year of competitive basketball due to a broken right foot. He is once again in tip top shape and his head coach Willie Green said that his prized ward seems ‘like he didn’t miss a beat.’ The first overall pick of the 2019 NBA Rookie Draft had 25 points on a 50% field goal shooting, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals to help the New Orleans Pelicans dominate the Brooklyn Nets 130-108 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, home of the Nets.
Ben Simmons, now with the Nets, also returned after missing the whole of last season. However, his performance left a lot to be desired, as he fouled out early in the fourth, having to guard Williamson when they both shared the court. Simmons finished with only 4 points on just 3 shot attempts, 5 boards, and 5 dimes.
Brandon Ingram topscored for the Pelicans with 28 markers, while CJ McCollum added 21 for the Pelicans, who also outrebounded the Nets 61-39. Kevin Durant was the lone bright spot for the Nets, as he finished with a game high 32 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 4 blocks.
Brooklyn was without their two best outside shooters in Joe Harris due to a sore left foot and Seth Curry because of a left ankle injury.
Up next for the Pelicans are the Hornets in Charlotte on Friday night (Saturday morning, Philippine time).
Meanwhile, the Nets will try to bounce back, as they host the Toronto Raptors at home on the same night.
How they scored:
Pelicans 130 – Ingram 28, Williamson 25, McCollum 21, Murphy III 16, Valanciunas 15, Nance Jr. 8, Alvarado 7, Jones 6, Marshall 4
Nets 108 – Durant 32, Mills 16, Irving 15, Claxton 13, O’Neale 10, Sumner 6, Simmons 4, Sharpe 4, Morris 3, Edwards 3, Thomas 2
Around the League:
Road Team – Home Team
Magic 109 – Pistons 113
Wizards 114 – Pacers 107
Rockets 107 – Hawks 117
Bulls 116 – Heat 108
Cavaliers 105 – Raptors 108
Knicks 112 – Grizzlies 115 OT
Thunder 108 – Timberwolves 115
Hornets 129 – Spurs 102
Nuggets 102 – Jazz 123
Mavericks 105 – Suns 107
Trail Blazers 115 – Kings 108
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