The New Orleans Pelicans have unlocked Zion Williamson as a playmaker this season. Head coach Van Gundy admitted that Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers marked the first time this season that New Orleans utilized Zion at the point for the entire night.
SGV added that he plans to continue putting the ball in Williamson's more going forward, as he believes this is ultimately where he sees the 20-year old will thrive most in the future.
Via Will Guillory of The Athletic:
SVG says this was the first time all season the Pels committed to playing Zion at point guard the entire game.
"He had the ball in his hands the entire game."
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) April 10, 2021
SVG on Point Zion:
"We want to get him more experience with that stuff going forward because I think that's where his future is in this game. I really do."
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) April 10, 2021
The Pelicans star exploded for a 37-point outburst to go along with 15 rebounds and eight assists. He scored 14 of his 37 in the fourth quarter as he dominated down the stretch to propel the Pelicans to the 101-94 win over the no. 2 team in the Eastern Conference.
The former Duke star was unstoppable the entire night as the Sixers defenders couldn't prevent him from bulldozing his way into the paint. A single coverage certainly wasn't enough as Williamson would just plow in for an easy basket. Sending double teams didn't work either as Williamson utilized his vision and passing ability to find open teammates.
The Pelicans were without Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart in the lineup. Thus, Van Gundy may have just rolled with his belief and let Williamson go crazy with the rock. SGV really dug deep into his bag and even utilized an unorthodox lineup with Williamson running the show along with three other frontcourt players in Jaxson Hayes, James Johnson, and Willy Hernangomez near the end of the first period.
Point Zion is going to be a monster for years to come.
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