Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports
Zion Williamson’s debut couldn’t have gone much better.
Except maybe play a few more minutes.
The New Orleans Pelicans’ star rookie delivered in nearly every fashion Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs, finishing with 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The climax of the night occurred when Williamson scored 17 consecutive points over the course of three minutes in the fourth quarter. The hot streak included four three-pointers. On the night, he finished 8-of-11 from the field.
However, shortly after Zion had put them up 107-106 with a three over LaMarcus Aldridge, head coach Alvin Gentry removed him for the night with 5:23 remaining in the game. Gentry hinted the early removal was for medical restrictions.
The Pelicans eventually would go on to lose 121-117, but if this is just a hint into Zion’s future, the future is bright for him and the Pelicans.
