There aren’t many humans on the planet big enough to defend New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson. Houston Rockets wing Dillon Brooks is no exception.
Brooks, who regularly takes on the challenge of guarding opposing star players, tested his mettle against Williamson during Thursday’s Rockets-Pelicans matchup at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, La.
Brooks’ experience guarding the 284-pound Williamson was summed up in one play midway through the third quarter as the Rockets trailed 83-64.
The Duke product posted up Brooks on the left block, took two dribbles and shot a baby hook shot to extend the Pelicans lead. Williamson then hit Brooks with the classic “too small” taunt right in front of the Oregon alum.
In all fairness to Brooks, the entire Rockets roster seemed too small to contain Williamson in the Pelicans’ 127-105 victory.
The Pelicans star tallied 27 points and nine assists on 12-of-21 shooting from the field. Several of Zion’s buckets came in emphatic fashion.
For his part, Brooks finished with seven points, two rebounds and two assists on just 2-of-6 shooting from the floor. The box score failed to list the bruise to Brooks’ ego he also likely received after trying to guard Williamson all night.
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