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New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson’s NBA Playoffs Debut is 1 to Remember Despite Brutal Ending

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated 4/17/24

The New Orleans Pelicans missed a chance to advance to the NBA Playoffs proper when they lost to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, 110-106, Tuesday evening at home. But even though the Pelicans fell prey to Los Angeles, New Orleans fans will still remember that game for a long time, in large part because of the scintillating NBA Playoffs debut of Zion Williamson.

Zion Williamson Shines in First NBA Playoff Game

After sputtering in the regular-season finale loss to the Lakers last Sunday in which he scored just 12 points on 4/13 shooting from the floor, the former Duke Blue Devils star played like a man on a mission on Wednesday. Williamson dropped 40 points in his playoffs debut, making 17 of his 27 attempts from the floor and going 6/9 from the free-throw line. He also had 11 rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block in just 36 minutes of action.

However, Williamson was not able to play in the final minutes of the close game because of a lower-body injury that forced him out of the contest. It was an unfortunate ending for Williamson’s first taste of action in the playoffs, but if he recovers right away, he can help New Orleans in the team’s next game.

Since Williamson entered the NBA in 2019 as the Pelicans’ top overall pick in that year’s draft, New Orleans have appeared in the postseason just twice, including this year’s trip to the Play-in Tournament. In 2022, they made it to the playoffs, but without Zion Williamson at the time as he was sidelined by a foot injury.

Will Zion Williamson Play in New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings?

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Williamson appears to have suffered a hamstring injury, putting his availability for Friday’s home game versus the Kings.

“Pelicans star Zion Williamson is believed to have suffered a left hamstring injury tonight vs. Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Williamson had 40 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists before having to leave in final minutes of crunch time. Tests coming on Wednesday.”

There should be more clarity on Williamson’s status as the Kings game gets closer. He is said to be scheduled for some testing this Wednesday, which should help determine how serious his injury is and whether he could play versus Sacramento, which defeated the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday to keep its season and title hopes alive.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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