Mar 8, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) in action against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Pelicans star rookie forward Zion Williamson was questionable heading into Thursday’s game against the Utah Jazz. He had been away from the Orlando bubble for more than a week tending to a family emergency before returning late last week.
Williamson was cleared from COVID-19 quarantine just a couple days ago. Though, he was in the Pelicans’ lineup against Utah after a four-plus month hiatus in NBA action.
Like clockwork, Williamson scored the Pelicans’ first bucket of the season with an And-1 following a strong drive to the rim.
It looks like the work stoppage has not impacted Williamson’s ability to dominate with both athleticism and brute strength.
Remember, the rookie No. 1 pick was averaging 23.6 points on 59% shooting from the field when the season was suspended back on March 11.