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New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson talked like a kid in a candy shop after the Pelicans’ win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.
Not only did New Orleans get its first victory down in Orlando, but Williamson finally played extended minutes and helped the Pelicans defeat the Grizzlies with some big plays in the fourth quarter.
After the game, Williamson said he felt “alive” since he was able to play late in the game and help his team earn a win, via Ben Golliver of the Washington Post:
“I’m not even going to lie to you, it just hits different in a bad way when I’m on the bench in the 4th quarter and there’s nothing I can do to help my team win,” Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson said.
“I felt alive. It was just great to be out there doing whatever I can.”
Against the Grizzlies, Williamson played 25 minutes. The high-flyer finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists while shooting 9-of-21 from the field and 5-of-10 from the free-throw line.
The Pelicans’ next game is on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings. It will be interesting to see if New Orleans head coach Alvin Gentry and the medical staff are comfortable with playing Williamson extended minutes again.
NBA fans are certainly hoping so since Zion is already one of the most exciting players to watch in the league.